Emotional impact on the results of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test: an observational retrospective study

Abstract

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 samp..