Of 537 responders after lumbar surgery 39% had Beck Depression Inventory ≥ 10.
Of these 28% had non-melancholic (NmDS) and 11% melancholic depression (MDS).
MDS patients had more pain, sleep disturbances by pain and poorer functional disability.
MDS patients used more regular pain medication and received less benefit from its use.
MDS patients need tailored pre- and postoperative rehabilitation programme.