The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Depression: a Review

More than half of patients with obesity who present for medical or surgical management meet the criteria for a psychiatric illness, commonly a mood disorder. Bariatric surgery leads to significant improvement in depression symptomology and a reduction in the overall prevalence of depression. Studies generally report short-term overall reduction in depression rates between approximately 55 to 65 % within the first two years following surgery. It appears that there is a dose response relationship between weight loss and resolution of depression. There are some conflicting reports in the literature as to the maintenance of depression outcomes following bariatric surgery, with newer, long-term studies reporting the attenuation of depression symptomology improvements. While generally, bariatric surgery is beneficial for depression, there exists a cohort of patients who might actually worsen following surgery. A likely multifactorial consequence of weight regain, unrealistic expectations or other life stresses, this group needs to be monitored closely, as postoperative bariatric surgery patients surgery appear to be at an increased risk of suicide. Overall, a multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals are vital to optimize patient care in the depressed, obese bariatric surgery patient.