RELATION BETWEEN PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDER AND ABNORMAL ILLNESS BEHAVIOR IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING OPERATIONS FOR CERVICAL DISKECTOMY

Objective-To test the hypothesis that depression in patients being con sidered for cervical disc surgery is associated with severe organic pa thology. Secondly, to test whether depression and abnormal illness att itudes recorded preoperatively would predict poorer recovery. Methods- Seventy four patients with pain and disability from cervical arthrosis were examined during investigations before potential cervical surgery . The prevalence of psychiatric disorder was assessed using the SCAN, and attitude to illness using the illness attitude scale. Results-Ther e was a rate of depressive disorder in the sample of 37%, The depresse d patients did not have more severe organic pathology, more neurologic al symptoms or signs, or more disablement. They reported more pain and displayed more abnormal illness behaviour. Fifty patients went on to cervical surgery. Outcome four to eight months postoperatively was not related to the presence of psychiatric disorder or illness attitude r ecorded preoperatively. Conclusion-Depressive disorder is not secondar y to severe pathology; the outcome of surgery is predominantly determi ned by physical factors.