title: [Possibilities of psychological preparation for surgery in children and adults].
abstract: Research in the field of behavioural medicine concerning psychological preparation for surgery is beginning to focus on practical issues. In the first study sixty children between the ages of 4 and 8 received the usual medical preparation from the hospital staff. In addition, the patients of two treatment groups were provided with relevant information by presenting a photographic peer model, or received emotional support by a psychologically trained supervisor. The second study was designed to assess the anxiolytic effects on preoperative state anxiety in 40 adult in-patients by implementing a systematic desensitization program. As a main result the findings demonstrated the sensitizing effects of psychological preparation for surgery both in children and adults. Contraindications and resulting practical issues are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000523:psychology*
vernacular_title: Möglichkeiten der psychologischen Operationsvorbereitung bei Kindern und Erwachsenen.