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Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms does not increase psychological morbidity
H S Khaira1, L M Herbert, M C Crowson
1Department of Surgery, Good Hope Hospital NHS Trust, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening does not increase anxiety or depression. A study using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) found no significant psychological effects in men undergoing AAA screening.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Public Health Screening
- Psychological Impact Assessment
Background:
- Screening programs face opposition due to potential negative psychological effects.
- Concerns exist regarding the psychological impact of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological effects of AAA screening.
- To determine if AAA screening increases anxiety and depression in the screened population.
Main Methods:
- Applied the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire.
- Compared anxiety and depression levels in men undergoing AAA screening versus controls.
- Included men with no AAA, small aneurysms, and those awaiting surgery.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in anxiety or depression were found across groups.
- The HADS questionnaire showed comparable psychological states between screened individuals and controls.
- The study found no evidence of increased psychological distress due to AAA screening.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening does not appear to cause increased anxiety or depression.
- The findings counter arguments against AAA screening based on psychological harm.
- AAA screening can be implemented without significant adverse psychological consequences.
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