The question of preoperative anxiety and depression in older patients and family protectors.

Background: Higher levels of anxiety increase the risks of surgery, including morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to measure anxiety and depression during the preoperative period and to identify the degree of knowledge and concerns of older patients and their family protectors regarding anesthesia, and the causes of these concerns.

Methods: We administered a questionnaire to older patients scheduled to undergo surgery and their family protectors one day prior to the surgery.