Scoliosis & Mental Health—Anxiety, Low Mood & Resilience
Scoliosis can be emotionally demanding. Diagnosis, bracing, or surgery decisions may trigger anxiety, low mood, or even depression—especially in teenagers and young adults. These reactions are understandable and treatable.
Common Mental Health Impacts
Patients may experience:
- Worry about the future or surgery.
- Embarrassment about appearance or brace wear.
- Withdrawal from social activities.
- Sleep problems or persistent low mood.
Dorsi’s Psychological Support
Our mental health support includes:
- Screening for anxiety and depression.
- Onward referral to counselling or CBT where helpful.
- In-house education about coping strategies and resilience.
Family Involvement
We encourage open family communication, helping parents recognise signs that their child might be struggling emotionally and how to respond constructively.
Next Steps
If scoliosis is affecting your or your child’s mental health, Dorsi Spinal Institute can integrate emotional support into the treatment plan rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Related reading: see our blogs on confidence, teen life with scoliosis, and social support networks.
Written by
Dr Matthew ABJ Potts BSc MSc DC ISPRM
Clinical Director
Doctor of Chiropractic
Specialist Scoliosis Consultant
Fellow of the British Scoliosis Society
Member of the Scoliosis Association (UK)
Chair of the Clinical Advisory Board at Meloq AB
Member of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
Editorial board member of international journals CICRJ & Rehabilitation Science
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