Caring for the surgically anxious patient: a review of the interventions and a guide to optimizing surgical outcomes

•Psychiatric anxiety surveys provide a valid and reliable means to screen for surgical anxiety and are currently the most appropriate form of assessment.•Patient education is important for preventing and reducing anxiety levels and should include information pertaining to patient’s condition, the procedure, outcomes, expectations, as well as patient instructions.•Various treatment options are available, with both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions shown to be effective in reducing patient anxiety.•Treatment should be based on patient preference, resources availability, and the surgeon’s experience.