Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome after surgery - a case control study.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of depressive and anxiety disorders in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) after surgery in comparison with normal individuals. This cross-sectional analytical case-control study conducted on patients who underwent surgery with adiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. In the first group, 35 patients with CTS who underwent surgery were randomly selected and evaluated for anxiety and depression with two standard questionnaires - of CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic StudiesDepression) and S-TAI (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). The second group of 35 normal people were randomly selected and examined after matching the age and sex. The data were compared and analyzed using SPSS V.22 software. The mean score of Spielberger state and trait anxiety and depression in the case group was higher than the control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003 respectively). In both age groups (< 40 and >40years) the level of state and trait anxiety and depression was significantly higher in case than the control group. In women, the level of state and trait anxiety and depression was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group, but in men, only trait anxiety was significant. The anxiety and depression disorders were more common in patients undergoing CTS than in normal individuals. Therefore, it is necessary to study the psychological status of these patients in the pre-discharge period and pay attention to its predictors in order to plan appropriate interventions.