Psychosocial and emotional sequelae of hysterectomy

Abstract

Hysterectomy has long been reputed to be followed by a high incidence of psychological and sexual sequelae. Historically, the uterus was thought to have a profound influence on psychological health. Psychoanalytic viewpoints attributed sequelae of hysterectomy to the loss of reproductive capability and the damaged self-concept of femininity. Others have emphasized the crisis nature of hysterectomy and a phasic pattern of adjustment. Retrospective studies have shown an increased psychiatric-hospital admission rate, an increased incidence of psychiatric referral, an increased frequency of treatment with antidepressants, and deterioration in sexual relationships. Some authors did not find evide..