Psychologic distress and anxiety in mothers of children with gastroesophageal reflux undergoing antireflux surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Parents of children with a chronic illness are at risk for impaired psychosocial functioning. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is such a disease, and no studies have investigated effects of antireflux surgery on parental psychological distress. The aims of this study were to assess psychological distress and state and trait anxiety in mothers of children with GERD, and to explore possible changes after antireflux surgery.

METHODS: Mothers of children referred for antireflux surgery were included in this prospective study. Standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate psychological distress and state and trait anxiety before and twelve months after antireflux surgery.

RESULTS: Of 87 eligible mothers of children with GERD, 62 (71%) agreed to participate. All children had objectively verified GERD by 24-hour pH-monitoring and/or upper gastrointestinal contrast study and unsatisfactory symptom relief of pharmacological treatment. 31 (50%) mothers returned questionnaires postoperatively.Preoperatively, mothers of children undergoing antireflux surgery reported high levels of psychological distress and state anxiety, and 54% had scores indicating clinically significant psychological distress. None of the preoperative child characteristics were found to significantly influence maternal psychological distress or state anxiety. Twelve months postoperatively, both psychological distress and state anxiety were reduced.

CONCLUSION: Mothers of children undergoing antireflux surgery reported reduced levels of psychological distress and state anxiety twelve months after the operation.