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Neuropsychological Factors and Bariatric Surgery: A Review

  • Complex Medical-Psychiatric Issues (MB Riba, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Obesity has become a global epidemic with associated physical, psychological, and cognitive deficits that tax the healthcare system and result in a significant economic burden. These costs have necessitated treatment measures to reduce the incidence of obesity as well as comorbidities associated with obesity. We review the current literature in order to describe the pre-surgical psychological and cognitive characteristics of individuals undergoing bariatric surgery and the possible changes in these functions following surgery. We discuss the importance of a pre-surgical evaluation that adequately evaluates cognitive and emotional functioning and what this evaluation should entail. Finally, we discuss recent trends in the types of bariatric surgeries being performed and how these changes may influence subsequent physical, cognitive, and emotional health.

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Kristen Votruba, David Marshall, Jonathan Finks, and Bruno Giordani declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Correspondence to Kristen Votruba.

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Votruba, K., Marshall, D., Finks, J. et al. Neuropsychological Factors and Bariatric Surgery: A Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 16, 448 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-014-0448-x

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