What Is the Antidepressant, Anxiolytic, and ADHD Medication Rate Among Rhinoplasty Patients?

by Linda Kossoff •

What is the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication use in patients undergoing rhinoplasty, both functional and aesthetic?

BOTTOM LINE

Rates of prescription medication use for anxiety, depression, and ADHD did not significantly differ between cases and controls in patients undergoing functional or aesthetic rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Functional and cosmetic rhinoplasties are common procedures in the United States. Results of numerous studies investigating the psychosocial status of rhinoplasty patients and the effect of pre-existing psychological disorders on surgical outcomes differ in measure. Evidence regarding the effect of psychological predisposition on patient satisfaction is likewise inconsistent.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study.

SETTING: Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear, Boston, Mass.

SYNOPSIS: Researchers identified 830 unique patients (57.2% female, mean age 38.4 years) within a single healthcare system who underwent rhinoplasty between 2017 and 2019. A matched control group was established. The three most common antidepressants/ anxiolytics used by the rhinoplasty patients were sertraline, bupropion, and fluoxetine. The three most common ADHD medications used by these patients were Adderall, methylphenidate, and lisdexamfetamine. Findings showed that the relative rates of antidepressant/anxiolytic and ADHD medication prescriptions did not significantly differ between cases and controls (23.6% and 26.3%, respectively). The proportion of ADHD medication use was identical between groups (6.1%). Within the rhinoplasty group, 461 patients underwent the procedure purely for cosmetic reasons and were successfully matched to 461 control patients. Again, use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and ADHD medication did not significantly differ between cases and controls. The results suggest that rhinoplasty patients do not have higher rates of clinically significant depression, anxiety, or ADHD relative to the general population (as measured by pharmacologic treatment). Study limitations include the lack of data regarding prescriptions outside of the single healthcare system.

CITATION: Dattilo LW, Workman AD, Xiao R, et al. Rhinoplasty patients do not have higher rates of antidepressant, anxiolytic, and ADHD medication use. Laryngoscope. 2022;132:2368-2369.