Anxiety Mood.  2023 Oct;19(2):37-47. 10.24986/anxmod.2023.19.2.002.

Mental Health Issues in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients; Pre-, Peri-, and Post-Transplant Phases

• Jung Y
• Kang JI

• KMID: 2547952
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24986/anxmod.2023.19.2.002

Abstract

This review article explores the psychological characteristics, comorbid mental disorders, and psychosocial assessments throughout the solid organ transplant journey, spanning the pre-transplant, peri-transplant, and post-transplant phases for transplant recipients. The psychological burden and anxiety in the pre-transplant phase are high for organ failure patients with complex physical difficulties who are deciding to undergo trans-plantation and are on the waiting list. The pre-transplant psychosocial evaluation covers various aspects, including the patient’s readiness, awareness of, and commitment to transplant treatment, medical compliance, psychopathological conditions such as cognitive function and personality disorders, lifestyle factors, including substance abuse, as well as various psychosocial factors like social support. During the peri-transplant phase, mental health problems such as postoperative delirium should be carefully recognized and addressed. After transplantation, it is essential to assist patients in coping with the various stressful experiences they encounter, manage psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and improve treatment adherence and quality of life during long-term care for the transplanted organ. Managing psychiatric problems in post-transplant patients requires a deep understanding of immunosuppressant medications and a keen awareness of associated risks, including adverse effects and potential drug interactions. This comprehensive review emphasizes the significance of proactive mental health care and psychosocial evaluation, highlighting the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the quality of life and overall success of transplant patients throughout all phases of transplantation.

Keyword

Transplant; Psychosomatic; Psychosocial evaluation; Consultation liaison; Mental health