Current opinion about surgery-related fear and anxiety

Abstract

Undergoing a surgical procedure is a major life event for many and can lead to stressors such as heightened fear and associated anxiety. The fear of undergoing surgery or an invasive medical procedure is correctly termed ‘tomophobia’ and lifetime prevalence is estimated at 12.8 per cent. In Australia, over 2.3 million people report anxiety disorders, with females at greater risk of anxiety (17.9 per cent) than males (10.8 per cent). With 2.5 million surgical procedures occurring in Australia each year, an estimated 320 000 Australians experience tomophobia as a surgical patient (assuming prevalence of 12.8 per cent). However, some populations are more likely to experience surgery-related fear and anxiety: especially females, older adults with fewer social supports, those with lower levels of education, those undergoing prolonged or major surgery and those with fewer overall levels of social support.