Can Mental Health Support Around Surgery Make a Difference?
12 September 2026
Mental and physical health are closely connected, particularly around major health events such as surgery.
A new randomized clinical trial from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis examined whether integrating mental-health support into surgical care could help older adults who were already experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.
The study included 306 adults aged 60 and over undergoing elective cardiac, cancer or orthopaedic surgery. Participants receiving psychological support alongside medication optimisation showed a significantly greater improvement in combined anxiety and depression symptoms three months after surgery compared with those receiving enhanced usual care.
Why is this interesting?
The findings suggest there may be value in addressing mental health alongside physical healthcare, particularly at times when people may be experiencing additional psychological vulnerability.
The results should be interpreted cautiously. Benefits differed across the three surgical groups and were clearest among patients undergoing cancer surgery. The researchers state that larger studies are needed to confirm the findings and determine which patients benefit most.
For those of us interested in prevention and early support, the study raises a broader question: where can we recognise vulnerability earlier and offer appropriate support before difficulties intensify?
Reference
Abraham J, Holzer KJ, Haroutounian S, et al. Perioperative Depression and Anxiety Care in Older Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(9):e2632619. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.32619