Perioperative Depression and Anxiety Care in Older Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial - Takeaways - MDSpire
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Management of Depression and Anxiety in Older Surgical Patients: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial

  • By

  • Joanna Abraham

  • Katherine J. Holzer

  • Simon Haroutounian

  • Bethany Pennington

  • Ana Baumann

  • Ryan Calfee

  • Theresa Cordner

  • Kenneth E. Freedland

  • Thomas Kannampallil

  • Benjamin Kozower

  • Emily Lenard

  • J Philip Miller

  • Mary Politi

  • Michael Yingling

  • Michael S. Avidan

  • Eric J. Lenze

  • September 9, 2026

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  • 1

    Preoperative depression and anxiety symptoms are prevalent among older surgical patients, with estimates ranging from 10% to 33% for depression and 22% for anxiety in the US.

  • 2

    The study involved 3159 patients screened for eligibility, with 326 enrolled and randomized to assess a perioperative intervention for anxiety and depression.

  • 3

    The intervention combined psychological management and pharmacologic optimization, addressing mental health needs in older surgical patients.

  • 4

    Wellness partners provided psychological support, while clinical pharmacists directed medication optimization under geriatric psychiatrist supervision.

  • 5

    The study employed a hybrid effectiveness-implementation design, integrating quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the intervention's outcomes.

Original Source(s)

Perioperative Depression and Anxiety Care in Older Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

  • by Joanna Abraham, Katherine J. Holzer, Simon Haroutounian, Bethany Pennington, Ana Baumann, Ryan Calfee, Theresa Cordner, Kenneth E. Freedland, Thomas Kannampallil, Benjamin Kozower, Emily Lenard, J Philip Miller, Mary Politi, Michael Yingling, Michael S. Avidan, Eric J. Lenze

  • September 9, 2026

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