Coping with the Stress of Hysterectomy

AbstractIn an anterospective study of twelve apparently mentally healthy hysterectomized women, four (33%) manifested postoperative psychopathology severe enough to warrant psychiatric treatment. Inability on the part of a patient to anticipate postoperative changes in her life appears to be a warning signal for potential psychiatric problems. The husband's attitudes and behavior also condition the psychological outcome of these women. Preoperative counseling for both wife and husband is recommended.