Depression, Anxiety, Body Dissatisfaction, and Eating Disorders in Plastic Surgery Patients

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to identify and describe indicators of depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and risk of an eating disorder in patients who undergo plastic surgery. Methods: The sample was made up of 90 patients from a private clinic in Lima, Peru, with ages between 20 and 50 years. The participants were asked to answer the Aaron Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Aaron Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Abbreviated and Modified Eating Attitudes Scale (EAT - 26M). Results: Through data analysis with the SPSS statistical program, it was found that 80% of patients who access plastic surgery are women, and the average age is 32.4 years. Likewise, of the total sample, no anxiety traits have been identified; however, 3.3% present traits of moderate depression, pathological body discomfort, and risk of an eating disorder. Conclusion: The presurgical psychological evaluation in plastic surgery patients is crucial because it allows for the identification of predisposing factors to mental health problems and proposes support if needed.