Depression and Body Image Distress Following Mastectomy With Reconstruction

Massachusetts General Hospital51 enrolled

Overview

Mastectomy is a major surgery that can have a profound effect on women's psychosocial wellbeing, including elevated depression and body image distress. Reconstructive breast surgery aims to improve patients' psychosocial adjustment to mastectomy, yet for some women substantial distress persists after reconstruction. However, very little is known about risk or protective factors for persistent depression or body image distress following mastectomy with reconstruction. The present study aims to address this critical gap. In women undergoing mastectomy with breast reconstruction, the investigators will assess risk and protective factors for post-surgery depression severity and body image distress.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Breast Cancer BRCA1 Mutation BRCA2 Mutation

Interventions

Psychosocial variables

The investigators will assess mental health history and self-reported psychosocial variables as hypothesized risk and protective factors for body image and depression severity in breast reconstruction patients, before and after their mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery. Mastectomy and breast reconstruction will be received in the context of routine medical care. Thus, this is not a psychological intervention, but rather observational measures assessed pre- and post routine care for breast reconstruction patients.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Female adults (age 18+) who are scheduled for mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program 2. English language proficiency 3. Ability to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current psychotic disorder, manic episode, serious neurological disorder, intellectual disability, or developmental disorder 2. Current active suicidal ideation 3. Current treatment plan includes radiation and/or ongoing chemotherapy 4. Does not have access to Internet at home, required to complete study questionnaires

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Body Image Scale (BIS)

Assesses severity of body image distress related to breast cancer treatment with a summed total score, which ranges from 0 (no body image distress) to 30 (substantial body image distress).

Time frame: 2-3 months post-surgery (i.e., Time 2)

Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)

Assesses severity of depressive symptoms with a summed total score, which ranges from 0 (no depressive symptoms) to 63 (severe depressive symptoms).