Depression and Self Esteem in Patients with Morbid Obesity: The Effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide. It has been associated with high prevalence of depression and low self-esteem. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a bariatric procedure, is simple and effective in weight reduction with few complications. We studied depression and self esteem in patients with morbid obesity before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Methods: Depression, self-esteem and physical health were assessed in 64 patients with morbid obesity (Group I) before the surgery compared with 64 matched healthy subjects (Group II) and 1 year after the surgery (N=61) to detect any changes in these parameters after the surgery. Depression was diagnosed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and it’s severity was assessed by the hospital anxiety and depression scale depression sub-scale (HADS-D). Self-esteem was assessed by Rosenberg self esteem scale (RSE), and physical health was assessed by physical domains of Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Questionnaire. Results: There was a high prevalence of depression 29.68% (19/64) with HADS-D mean score (7.08 ± 2.51), low self esteem and a poor physical health in patients with morbid obesity compared with control group. One year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, all these parameters improved (P<0.001) and the improvement in depression and selfesteem was significantly correlated with reduction in BMI (r= 0.41, -0.39, respectively) and improved physical health (r= -0.43, 0.33, respectively). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of depression and low self-esteem in patients with morbid obesity and LSG improves all these parameters as a result of both reduction in BMI and improved physical health after the surgery. [Saleh M. Aldaqal and Mohammad G. Sehlo. Depression and Self Esteem in Patients with Morbid Obesity: The Effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy] Journal of American Science 2011; 7(12):1116-1123]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience.org. 141 Key wards: Depression, self-esteem, morbid obesity, sleeve gastrectomy.