Surgery Psychology

The service triages patients experiencing a wide range of psychological difficulties, such as:

• Depression, anxiety, panic or a phobia associated with their medical condition and/or treatment
• Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress disorder
• Medically unexplained symptoms
• Health anxiety, related to the health condition
• Body image and self-esteem issues associated with physical aspects of medical conditions
• Relationship difficulties triggered by the surgical condition
• Treatment decision making/pre-surgical assessment
• Difficulties with symptoms management where psychological factors appear to be exacerbating symptoms (e.g. pain, breathlessness)

Referrals are prioritised for more urgent input in the following cases:

• Where psychological barriers exist that prevent non-elective treatment
• Where there are psychological barriers to complex discharge from hospital

The service is available to:

• Those who are under the active care of a Mid Yorkshire Consultant.
• Patients over the age of 18
• Patients who consent to the referral

Occasionally other services may be more appropriate to meet your needs

• Where the patient is under the age of 18
• Where the main issues relate to a family member/relative
• Where psychological problems are unrelated to the surgical condition/injury
• If problems relate primarily to long-standing mental health difficulties and predate the current health difficulties
• In the presence of severe mental health problems such as psychosis or active self-harming
• If the primary problem is current alcohol or drug misuse
• Where severe antisocial/violent/criminal behaviour is an issue
• Where support/counselling is being provided by another service
• Where the predominant needs are urgent mental health crisis support

You will initially have an assessment with a Clinical Psychologist. This may last between 1-2 sessions. You will be encouraged to talk about your difficulties, including:

• The history of your medical care
• The way your health impacts your life and how you currently cope with these changes
• You may be asked about some background information about other areas of your life such as work and family
• This will result in a shared understanding of your difficulties with some possible recommendations.
• Options for further treatment may include brief intervention (up to six sessions) or an onward referral to a service more appropriate to address your needs.
• Some people find that a few sessions are enough to help them feel able to cope with their difficulties on their own; other people may benefit from longer term input.
• Clinical Psychologists are not Psychiatrists or medical doctors, we do not prescribe medication.
• If you wish to discuss medication, we would advise you speak to your GP in the first instance.

At present, due to Covid-19 we are offering telephone and video appointments. You will be asked if you have a preference for a telephone or video appointment

Visit our dedicated webpage for more information about our video consultation platform which is called 'Attend Anywhere'.