Psychosocial evaluation of bariatric surgery candidates: a survey of present practices.
OBJECTIVE
Successful outcome for bariatric surgery is largely dependent on patients' ability to adhere to postoperative behavior changes. A thorough psychological evaluation is often required before patients' approval for surgery. In addition to a standard psychiatric interview, assessment of behavioral components specific to this surgery seems indicated. No uniform guidelines exist on how to conduct such an evaluation. This survey was designed to collect information on the level of involvement of mental health professionals with bariatric surgery programs and their approach to evaluating bariatric surgery candidates.


METHODS
Surveys about psychological evaluation practices were mailed to 188 bariatric surgery programs. Eighty-one surveys were returned.


RESULTS
Eighty-eight percent of programs require patients to undergo a psychological evaluation and almost half require formal standardized psychological assessment. Current illicit drug use, active symptoms of schizophrenia, severe mental retardation, and lack of knowledge about the surgery were the most commonly cited contraindications, preventing patients from gaining approval for surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of programs use psychological evaluations; however, the exclusion criteria for surgery vary greatly. Establishing uniform guidelines for the screening of bariatric surgery candidates is necessary. Suggestions on how to begin this process are provided. More research about behavioral and cognitive predictors of postsurgical success is needed.
Bauchowitz
Andrea U
AU
University of Virginia Health System Department of Psychiatric Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. ab4sc@virginia.edu
Gonder-Frederick
Linda A
LA
Olbrisch
Mary-Ellen
ME
Azarbad
Leila
L
Ryee
Mi-Young
MY
Woodson
Monique
M
Miller
Anna
A
Schirmer
Bruce
B
D001294:Attitude to Health; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006266:Health Education; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000592:standards*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012917:Social Adjustment; D016896:Treatment Outcome