[Measuring of preoperative anxiety by three self-reporting scales: State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Symptoms CheckList 92 and visual analogue scale].

INTRODUCTION

Preoperative anxiety is a common phenomenon. It is therefore necessary to investigate whether quantitative self-reporting anxiety scales can be helpful in the anaesthetic clinic and research. The aim of this study was to compare the state trait anxiety inventory (STAI), symptoms checklist 92 (SCL 92), the subscales anxiety and phobic anxiety, and a visual analogue scale for anxiety (VAS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-eight women consecutively referred for elective breast surgery filled in the rating scales the day before the operation.

RESULTS

A statistically significant correlation was found between STAI, SCL 92, anxiety, and VAS. The patients' STAI and SCL 92 anxiety scores were markedly higher than that of the background population.

DISCUSSION

In this study the STAI scale, SCL 92 anxiety, and VAS measure all essential features of the phenomenon. SCL 92 anxiety is nevertheless considered to be the most appropriate rating scale, because it has been validated in a Danish population.