Correlation Between Medically Diagnosed Anxiety and Depression Disorder and Self-Reported Breast Implant Illness.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders, both with and without comorbid depression, are widespread globally. This study investigates the intersection of anxiety, depression, and self-reported Breast Implant Illness (BII) in women undergoing aesthetic breast surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our research is to enhance understanding about mental health history, psychotropic medication use, and its relation to BII symptoms.

METHODS: A cohort of 240 consecutive female patients undergoing elective breast surgery was studied. The study categorized patients into groups based on the presence of self-reported BII symptoms and the type of breast surgery performed. Mental health history, psychotropic medication use, and time spent in treatment for mental illness were scrutinized. Statistical analyses were conducted, including multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS: Results reveal that patients with self-reported BII symptoms often have a pre-existing anxiety/depression disorder treated medically before obtaining breast implants, and this disorder predicts the occurrence of BII symptoms. These patients tend to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression at a younger age, initiate medication therapy earlier, take more medications for their condition, and spend more time in therapy compared to others undergoing elective breast surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Implications of this study highlight the need for comprehensive counseling between plastic surgeons and patients with self-reported BII symptoms. Understanding the role of anxiety/depression in the pathogenesis of self-reported BII is crucial, and collaboration with psychiatrists and other mental health professionals can ensure improved supportive care. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the psychological aspects surrounding breast implant surgery and self-reported BII and emphasize the importance of preoperative mental health assessments in appropriate patient selection for elective breast surgery.