Decreasing Preoperative Anxiety in Patients with Newly Available Multimodal Approaches-A Narrative Review.

About 80% of adult patients experience preoperative anxiety. This review describes pharmacological options such as benzodiazepines, ketamine, fentanyl, and antidepressants (which require four weeks to take effect) and nonpharmacological methods including supportive relationships with medical staff, informed consent forms, video materials, virtual reality, breathing techniques, music therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and essential oils. Nonpharmacological interventions can be used across ages. Many researchers advocate for a holistic approach integrating less invasive, cost-effective interventions with conventional medicine. More research is needed to determine the most effective and feasible interventions for different patient populations.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Preoperative anxiety affects approximately 80% of adult patients; thus, identifying patients with excessive anxiety and implementing appropriate interventions can significantly reduce the risk of deterioration during the perioperative period. This narrative review presents current knowledge about pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods for reducing preoperative anxiety. Commonly used pharmacological options include benzodiazepines, ketamine, or fentanyl. Antidepressants have also been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms, but they typically require four weeks to take effect. Establishment of supportive relationships with medical staff to help patients express their feelings have been shown to have a positive impact on anxiety reduction. Other nonpharmacological methods include the provision of information through informed consent forms, video materials, virtual reality, or the use of psychotherapeutic interventions such as breathing techniques, music therapy, or cognitive-behavioural therapy. Some studies suggest that essential oils may have a role in reducing perioperative anxiety. Nonpharmacological interventions can be used in patients of different ages. An increasing number of researchers advocate for a holistic approach that integrates less invasive and cost-effective interventions with conventional medicine. While various interventions have been proposed to manage preoperative anxiety, more research is needed to establish the most effective and feasible interventions for different patient populations.