Abstract
Pectus excavatum (PE) is a common malformation of the sternocostal complex. Patients with PE experience anxiety and depressive experiences because of their appearance. The aim of the research is to study the characteristics of the emotional state of adolescents with PE before and after surgical treatment. Material and methods. The sample consisted of 95 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. The following methods were used in the study: conversation, E.E. Malkova’s Multivariate estimation of children’s anxiety, P. Heymans’ Depriscope; the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical processing of empirical data. Results. In the preoperative period, a decrease in physical well-being was felt by 75.8% of adolescents with PE, manifested by periodic pain in the chest, fatigue and frequent respiratory diseases. After surgical reconstructive surgery, 93.7% of adolescents noted an improvement in physical well-being. After surgical treatment the following conditions were observed in adolescents with PE: decrease in anxiety levels, disappearance of signs of depressive manifestations (p<0.05). Conclusion. After surgical treatment, adolescents with PE experience qualitative changes in their emotional state, which make it possible to improve interaction with parents and peers. A significant decrease in general anxiety and depressive symptoms contributed to an increase in the activity of adolescents and an increase in their confidence in their abilities and capabilities in the field of study and communication. Thus, we can say that adolescents with PE need psychological support at all stages of treatment in the clinic.