[Possibilities of psychological preparation for surgery in children and adults]

Abstract

Research in the field of behavioural medicine concerning psychological preparation for surgery is beginning to focus on practical issues. In the first study sixty children between the ages of 4 and 8 received the usual medical preparation from the hospital staff. In addition, the patients of two treatment groups were provided with relevant information by presenting a photographic peer model, or received emotional support by a psychologically trained supervisor. The second study was designed to assess the anxiolytic effects on preoperative state anxiety in 40 adult in-patients by implementing a systematic desensitization program. As a main result the findings demonstrated the sensitizing effects of psychological preparation for surgery both in children and adults. Contraindications and resulting practical issues are discussed.