Gen Z is lonely - here's how it shows under anesthesia -Dr. Kaveh LIVE

Summary

Dr. Anthony Cave, a Stanford and Harvard-trained anesthesiologist, explores the mental and physical health challenges faced by Gen Z, particularly in relation to anesthesia and surgery. He highlights how loneliness, anxiety, and substance use have become more prevalent in this generation, influencing their response to anesthesia. Gen Z’s increased reliance on distractions, such as smartphones and sleep aids, before surgery further complicates their mental health and resilience. Dr. Cave advocates for self-awareness and self-advocacy, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of stress and mental health issues to improve overall well-being and surgical outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gen Z is experiencing a rise in mental health challenges, especially loneliness, which affects their health outcomes, including surgery and anesthesia response.
• 😀 Mental health awareness has dramatically changed over the past decade, with patients now openly discussing depression and medication use before surgery.
• 😀 Patients who take substances like marijuana or sleep aids regularly may require higher doses of anesthesia during surgery, as their tolerance to medications is increased.
• 😀 Chronic loneliness in Gen Z is associated with a higher risk of substance use disorders, which can impact how their bodies respond to anesthesia.
• 😀 The normalization of depression and anxiety in Gen Z is evident in how they talk about their mental health, which may lead to a more passive approach to treatment.
• 😀 Gen Z is more likely to distract themselves with devices (e.g., smartphones) or substances, which can mask underlying emotional struggles and impact recovery post-surgery.
• 😀 A lack of coping mechanisms for stress in Gen Z makes them more vulnerable to emotional distress during surgery, often leading to confused or anxious wake-ups from anesthesia.
• 😀 Patients who are mentally distracted or anxious prior to surgery may have a more difficult time recovering post-anesthesia due to the absence of those distractions once they wake up.
• 😀 The modern challenges faced by Gen Z, including social isolation and mental health struggles, could lead to long-term health consequences if not addressed, especially regarding anesthesia sensitivity.
• 😀 Gen Z has the potential to overcome these challenges with the right support, self-awareness, and advocacy, as demonstrated by a small but notable group of patients who remain calm and positive during surgery.

Q & A

Why has the relationship between Gen Z and anesthesia changed over the past 10 years?

Over the past decade, Gen Z has become more open about their mental health, especially depression. As a result, their mental health conditions, including the medications they take for depression, are more normalized. This has a direct impact on anesthesia, as their brains respond differently to anesthesia due to factors like chronic stress, loneliness, and substance use, leading to the need for higher doses of anesthesia compared to previous generations.

How does loneliness in Gen Z affect their response to anesthesia?

Gen Z is experiencing higher levels of loneliness, with up to 50% reporting feelings of isolation. This loneliness can manifest physically under anesthesia, as it increases stress levels, which in turn heightens the need for more anesthesia. The stress and lack of coping mechanisms make these individuals more vulnerable during surgery, requiring careful adjustment of anesthesia doses.

How does medication use, like antidepressants or marijuana, affect anesthesia requirements?

Patients who regularly use substances like antidepressants (e.g., Prozac or Zoloft) or marijuana may require higher doses of anesthesia during surgery. These substances can alter the brain's response to anesthesia, either by increasing the tolerance to sedatives or by affecting the central nervous system, which means anesthesiologists need to adjust their dosages to ensure the patient is adequately sedated.

Why do some Gen Z patients act distracted by their smartphones during medical procedures?

Many Gen Z individuals use their smartphones as a form of distraction during medical procedures, such as nerve blocks or injections. While this may help them cope with anxiety or fear in the moment, it can also be a sign of avoidance, preventing them from addressing the root causes of their emotional struggles, like loneliness or anxiety, which could affect their recovery and mental health in the long term.

How does the mental state of a Gen Z patient before surgery impact their anesthesia experience?

A Gen Z patient's mental state—particularly their anxiety or stress—can significantly impact their experience with anesthesia. Those who are distracted, anxious, or in denial about their emotional struggles may wake up more agitated, confused, or in pain after surgery. This is often referred to as a 'teenage wake-up,' where the patient may experience heightened emotions or delirium due to their lack of preparation and coping skills.

What is the impact of alcohol use on anesthesia, particularly in Gen Z?

Alcohol use, particularly in excess, can have dangerous effects under anesthesia. Gen Z, who may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for loneliness or stress, can develop a higher tolerance to both alcohol and anesthesia. This requires higher doses of anesthesia during surgery to achieve the desired sedation, and it may also complicate the recovery process due to potential interactions with other substances.

Is it true that Gen Z is more likely to use sleep aids compared to previous generations?

Yes, Gen Z is more likely to use sleep aids to cope with insomnia, which is often linked to loneliness, depression, and anxiety. This can be concerning because these substances, when combined with anesthesia, can increase the amount of anesthesia needed during surgery and may also interfere with the body’s ability to process anesthesia effectively.

Why do Gen Z patients sometimes wake up more emotional or delirious after surgery?

Gen Z patients are often more emotionally vulnerable due to chronic stress, anxiety, and loneliness. When they wake up from anesthesia, their mental state may not have been adequately addressed beforehand, leading to heightened emotions, confusion, or delirium. This is sometimes referred to as a 'teenage wake-up,' where patients experience disproportionate distress upon regaining consciousness.

How does the use of benzodiazepines at home impact anesthesia in the operating room?

Patients who use benzodiazepines (such as Xanax) at home will likely require higher doses of anesthesia in the operating room. The chronic use of these medications can alter the brain's response to sedatives, causing a need for increased anesthetic agents to achieve the same level of sedation as a patient who does not regularly use these substances.

What can be done to help Gen Z patients improve their response to anesthesia and reduce their risks?

To help Gen Z patients improve their response to anesthesia and reduce risks, it is important for both patients and healthcare providers to address underlying mental health issues, such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Encouraging open communication with medical professionals, avoiding distractions (like smartphones), and adopting healthier coping mechanisms can help patients better manage the stress of surgery and improve their recovery outcomes.