“Can anesthesia cause depression?”

Question

Anesthesiologist Questions Depression

“Can anesthesia cause depression?”

My mother was under anesthesia for an endoscopy yesterday. Since then, she seems to be severely depressed. Can this be caused by the anesthesia?

5 Answers

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**Dr. Emad Atalla** Anesthesiologist Elyria, OH · Accepted Answer

Dr. Emad Atalla Anesthesiologist Elyria, OH

Yes

**Dr. Sylvia Rodriguez Elias** Anesthesiologist Manati, Puerto Rico · Accepted Answer

Dr. Sylvia Rodriguez Elias Anesthesiologist Manati, Puerto Rico

In elderly people and in some kinds of surgeries, open heart, cataracts. Can cause depression. Some anesthetics could cause it. But it usually disappears in hours, maybe 24 hrs 48hrs.
If no improvement, consult your doctor.

**Steven M. Lasker** Anesthesiologist Parsippany, NJ · Accepted Answer

Steven M. Lasker Anesthesiologist Parsippany, NJ

Not likely

**Dr. Chhaya Y. Dave** Anesthesiologist Willingboro, NJ · Accepted Answer

Dr. Chhaya Y. Dave Anesthesiologist Willingboro, NJ

No

**Dr. Stephen A. Bass** Anesthesiologist Phoenix, AZ · Accepted Answer

Dr. Stephen A. Bass Anesthesiologist Phoenix, AZ

Depression is a complicated issue that can be caused from several issues that can be hard to pinpoint. It is unlikely related to the anesthesia, but potentially could cause a depressed mood that would resolve within a short time frame (a few days).