Mental Health Services Utilization Increases After Bariatric Surgery, Study Finds

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Utah analyzed changes in mental health services utilization and substance use treatment following bariatric surgery using a large commercial insurance claims database. The study found significant increases in the use of mental health services and substance use disorder treatment after surgery, with a particularly dramatic increase in encounters for substance use treatment. The researchers emphasized the need for further investigation to understand how to reduce risks and support patients in the long-term post-operative period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed changes in mental health services utilization and substance use treatment following bariatric surgery using a large commercial insurance claims database from 2011-2019.
  • The study found modest increases in the incidence rate ratio for outpatient mental health visits, psychiatric medication prescription, inpatient psychiatric services, and substance use disorder treatment after surgery.
  • The incidence rate ratio for substance use treatment encounters increased dramatically, from 3.289 to 4.378, after surgery.
  • Health service utilization rates for substance use disorder treatment significantly increased post-operatively.
  • The researchers emphasized the need for further investigation to understand how to reduce risks and support patients in the long-term post-operative period.
  • The study included data from 997 bariatric surgery patients, with an average age of 49.3 years and a majority (63.5%) being female.
  • The study found that the increases in mental health services utilization and substance use treatment were not limited to the peri-operative period, but continued into the post-operative period.

Statistics:

  • 997 bariatric surgery patients were included in the study.
  • The average age of participants was 49.3 years.
  • 63.5% of participants were female.
  • The incidence rate ratio for inpatient psychiatric encounters increased from 1.481 to 2.00 after surgery.
  • The incidence rate ratio for community mental health visits increased from 1.005 to 1.748 after surgery.
  • The incidence rate ratio for outpatient psychiatrist visits increased from 1.255 to 1.37 after surgery.
  • The incidence rate ratio for therapist visits increased from 1.233 to 1.341 after surgery.
  • The incidence rate ratio for antidepressant refills increased from 1.139 to 1.169 after surgery.
  • The incidence rate ratio for anxiolytic refills increased from 1.376 to 1.462 after surgery.

Sources:

  • Trends in Utilization of Services for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Before and After Bariatric Surgery. Annals of Surgery, 2025.
  • Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA. (Lippincott Williams and Wilkins - www.lww.com; Annals of Surgery - journals.lww.com/annalsofsurgery/pages/default.aspx)
  • Rebecca M. Empey, Division of General Surgery, Dept. of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.