Psychiatric Complications After Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review

Although bariatric surgery (BS) is a well-established and effective method for treating obesity, it carries the risk of developing psychiatric complications in the postoperative period. This narrative review is based on a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between January 2010 and September 2025. This review comprehensively examines various psychiatric conditions that may emerge following BS, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, alcohol use disorders, and substance use disorders. The neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying these postoperative psychiatric symptoms are evaluated, and the effects of pharmacokinetic changes on psychiatric pharmacotherapy are discussed in this review. Additionally, special risk populations, psychiatric contraindications to surgery, and treatment and follow-up strategies are reviewed in light of the current literature. Multidisciplinary assessment and long-term psychiatric monitoring appear essential to optimize psychiatric outcomes and maintain the long-term success of BS.

Cite this article as: Sun T. Psychiatric complications after bariatric surgery: A narrative review. Eurasian J Med. 2026, 58(4), 1238, doi: 10.5152/ eurasianjmed.2026.251238.