Depression and Body Image Distress Following Mastectomy With Reconstruction

Mass General Brigham

Status: Completed

Conditions: Breast Cancer; BRCA2 Mutation; BRCA1 Mutation

Treatments: Other: Psychosocial variables

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03428399

2017P000944

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 51 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

51 participants in 1 patient group

Breast reconstruction patients

Description:

Self-reported psychosocial variables and a clinical interview assessing mental health history will be administered prior to participants' scheduled mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery (which is part of their routine medical care for cancer treatment or prevention). Follow up self-report measures will be collected after the surgery as well.

Treatment:

Other: Psychosocial variables