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Is genetic counseling a stressful event?
Karin Nordin1, Afsaneh Roshanai, Cathrine Bjorvatn
1Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|August 26, 2011
Summary
Cancer genetic counseling is not more stressful than other cancer events, with anxiety and depression decreasing after sessions. Some individuals may require additional support and extended care.
Area of Science:
- Psychological impact of cancer care
- Genetic counseling outcomes
- Mental health in oncology
Background:
- Cancer genetic counseling provides risk assessment and personalized management strategies.
- Understanding the psychological burden of cancer-related events is crucial for patient support.
- Previous research has not directly compared the stress of genetic counseling to other cancer experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if cancer genetic counseling is a more significant stressor than other cancer-related events.
- To compare anxiety and depression levels in individuals undergoing cancer genetic counseling versus other cancer experiences.
- To assess psychological changes pre- and post-cancer genetic counseling.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 4911 individuals from three Scandinavian countries participated.
- Data included participants from cancer genetic counseling, mammography screening, cancer diagnosis, and post-surgery follow-up groups.
- The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was administered twice: before and 14 days after the event.
Main Results:
- Pre-counseling anxiety was lower than in other cancer groups but higher than the general population.
- Depression levels were lower in the genetic counseling group compared to other cancer groups.
- Post-event, anxiety levels were similar across groups, and depression was lower in the self-referred genetic counseling group. Anxiety and depression significantly decreased post-counseling.
Conclusions:
- Cancer genetic counseling does not induce greater anxiety or depression compared to other cancer-related events.
- While generally not more stressful, some individuals may benefit from additional counseling sessions and support.
- Identifying and supporting highly anxious individuals within genetic counseling is essential for optimal care.
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