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Emotional impact on the results of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test: an observational retrospective study
Sara Mella1, Barbara Muzzatti1, Riccardo Dolcetti2
1Unit of Oncological Psychology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
Background:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are associated with a higher risk of breast and ovarian tumors. This study evaluated the emotional states of women 1 month after having received the results of the genetic test and assessed eventual associations with the type of outcome, personal/familiar disease history and major socio-demographic variables.
Methods:
The study, an observational retrospective one, involved 91 women, evaluated 1 month after receiving their results. Patients were administered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Profile of Mood States and emotional Thermometers.
Results:
Anxiety was significantly higher than depression (p < 0.001), and 21.3% and 21.3% of the sample were, respectively, possible and probable cases for anxiety, whereas 13.5% and 10.1% were possible and probable cases for depression. Within the six mood states, Confusion-Bewilderment (M = 48.5) was the lowest, whereas Fatigue-Inertia (M = 52.3) was the highest. Differences were recorded within the ten assessed emotions too. Being a proband/nonproband and being or not a cancer patient were associated with many tested variables.
Conclusion:
The psycho-emotional screening of women undertaking genetic counseling is relevant and should cover a large range of dimensions.