Mind over medicine – Psychological interventions for preoperative anxiety: A review of recent literature

Abstract

Introduction:

Preoperative anxiety is a common distressing phenomenon that negatively affects surgical outcomes and postoperative recovery. This narrative review synthesised evidence on effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in managing preoperative anxiety.

Methodology:

A structured literature search was conducted across PubMed, Hinari Research4Life, Cochrane Library, and Directory of Open Access Journals, focusing on studies evaluating non-pharmacological interventions in surgical patients, published within the last 5 years. Out of 359 total records identified, only 24 studies met inclusion criteria following structured screening process using Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles guidelines.

Results:

The findings suggest that various psychological interventions, including virtual reality, music therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and cognitive-behavioural techniques, are associated with reductions in preoperative anxiety in several patient populations. These interventions offer non-invasive and potentially accessible means of improving perioperative care in well-resourced settings. However, variability in study design, intervention protocols, and outcome measures limits direct comparison across studies. As a narrative synthesis, the findings should be interpreted with consideration of these methodological differences.

Conclusion:

Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly virtual reality and mindfulness, are effective alternatives/adjuncts to pharmacological methods for reducing preoperative anxiety. However, heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures limits generalisability. Future research should include large-scale randomised controlled trials, standardisation of outcome measures, and culturally adapted studies in different populations.