Elucidating a correlation between general anesthesia and post-operative depression
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.4270Keywords:
general anesthesia, Post-Operative Depression (POD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)Abstract
Post-operative depression is a condition in which a person develops new or worsening depressive symptoms after undergoing surgery. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness. When these symptoms persist and interfere with daily functioning, they can affect a person's recovery and overall quality of life. Although the underlying causes of post-operative depression are not fully understood, several factors may contribute to its development, including the physiological stress of surgery, pain, and medications administered during the surgical process (Borsook et al., 2010). One factor of particular interest is general anesthesia, as it produces significant changes in brain activity and may influence physiological pathways associated with depression. Here, we examine the potential relationship between general anesthesia and post-operative depression by exploring how different anesthetic agents may influence neurotransmitter activity, inflammation, neuroimmune signaling, and neural pathways involved in mood regulation. We also consider how factors such as age, type of surgery, and anesthetic type may influence post-operative depressive symptoms and patient outcomes. Understanding this relationship may help identify potential risk factors for post-operative depression and guide future research into strategies that support patients' mental health and recovery following surgery.
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