Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 5)
Neuroscience
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Translational Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Introduction: Post-surgical recovery extends beyond physical healing, encompassing the psychological toll many patients experience. Emerging evidence suggests a notable association between major surgeries and the onset and/or exacerbation of mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, and personality disorder. These conditions can profoundly impact patient quality of life and overall outcomes, highlighting the need for further exploration into their prevalence, screening efforts, and contributing factors. This study aims to investigate the incidence of MDD in patients following major surgeries within the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review at UTHealth RGV from 2019 to 2024. We analyzed medical chart ICD-10 codes for patients with a post-operative surgery follow up (Z4.x). Demographic information was collected, including ethnicity, race, age, and sex. We evaluated diagnosis for MDD using ICD-10 codes (F3.x). Date of surgery and date of MDD diagnosis was also collected. Descriptive statistics were evaluated in the past 5 years in these patients who received care for post-surgical items.
Results: The majority of patients with a documented post-surgery follow-up were Hispanic or Latino/Spanish (72.90%, n = 26,232), predominantly female (54.42%, n = 19,523), and aged 60–75 years (30.90%, n = 11,122). Among these patients, 579 (4.69%) were diagnosed with MDD within the same year as their surgery or later.
Conclusion: The incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) following surgery in this cohort was found to be 4.69%, with a significant proportion of the patients being of Hispanic or Latino/Spanish descent. These findings emphasize the need for a greater focus on the psychological impact of surgery, particularly in vulnerable populations such as Hispanic individuals. Cultural beliefs and stigmas surrounding mental health may impede accurate screening and early intervention, potentially delaying effective post-surgery recovery. Mental health assessments and screenings should be integrated into post-surgical care, especially for patients who may be at higher risk for mood disorders. Given the high representation of females and the elderly in this group, our study reinforces how demographic and cultural factors contribute to the development of MDD after surgery. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of integrating culturally competent mental health screenings into post-surgical care to improve both diagnosis and outcomes. Our data highlights the significance of mental health considerations in surgical care in efforts of delivering personalized, holistic care for enhanced patient wellbeing.
IRB Approval
Recommended Citation
Ybanez, Kaitlyn D.; Escamilla, Jennifer V.; Khan, Shiza; Oestreich, Maci D.; and Baker, Kelsey A., "Retrospective Analyses of the Incidence of Major Depressive Disorder Among Post-Surgery Patients in the Rio Grande Valley" (2025). Research Symposium. 94.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/94
Included in
Retrospective Analyses of the Incidence of Major Depressive Disorder Among Post-Surgery Patients in the Rio Grande Valley
Introduction: Post-surgical recovery extends beyond physical healing, encompassing the psychological toll many patients experience. Emerging evidence suggests a notable association between major surgeries and the onset and/or exacerbation of mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, and personality disorder. These conditions can profoundly impact patient quality of life and overall outcomes, highlighting the need for further exploration into their prevalence, screening efforts, and contributing factors. This study aims to investigate the incidence of MDD in patients following major surgeries within the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review at UTHealth RGV from 2019 to 2024. We analyzed medical chart ICD-10 codes for patients with a post-operative surgery follow up (Z4.x). Demographic information was collected, including ethnicity, race, age, and sex. We evaluated diagnosis for MDD using ICD-10 codes (F3.x). Date of surgery and date of MDD diagnosis was also collected. Descriptive statistics were evaluated in the past 5 years in these patients who received care for post-surgical items.
Results: The majority of patients with a documented post-surgery follow-up were Hispanic or Latino/Spanish (72.90%, n = 26,232), predominantly female (54.42%, n = 19,523), and aged 60–75 years (30.90%, n = 11,122). Among these patients, 579 (4.69%) were diagnosed with MDD within the same year as their surgery or later.
Conclusion: The incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) following surgery in this cohort was found to be 4.69%, with a significant proportion of the patients being of Hispanic or Latino/Spanish descent. These findings emphasize the need for a greater focus on the psychological impact of surgery, particularly in vulnerable populations such as Hispanic individuals. Cultural beliefs and stigmas surrounding mental health may impede accurate screening and early intervention, potentially delaying effective post-surgery recovery. Mental health assessments and screenings should be integrated into post-surgical care, especially for patients who may be at higher risk for mood disorders. Given the high representation of females and the elderly in this group, our study reinforces how demographic and cultural factors contribute to the development of MDD after surgery. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of integrating culturally competent mental health screenings into post-surgical care to improve both diagnosis and outcomes. Our data highlights the significance of mental health considerations in surgical care in efforts of delivering personalized, holistic care for enhanced patient wellbeing.
