Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
4
pubmed:dateCreated
1997-7-30
pubmed:abstractText
We performed a long-term follow-up of Huntington disease (HD) predictive testing (an average of 6 years post-test) for 16 of 20 people who received informative linkage test results. Although no pre-test or baseline psychological differences were noted between those with an increased versus a decreased risk of HD, the long-term impact was dramatically different in these two groups. The low-risk group reported less uncertainty, anxiety or worry, fear, and worry about children's risk, whereas the high-risk group reported either the same or increased concern in these areas. Those at low risk also acknowledged an increased sense of control and self-esteem, whereas those at high risk reported decreases or no changes. One high-risk individual reported chronic depression that had occurred since the testing. Additionally, those at low risk reported greater reliance and faith in spiritual or religious beliefs than those at high risk. The emotional impact of HD genetic testing justifies the continued utilization of pre- and post-test counseling protocols. Pre-test counseling should include discussion of the known risks and benefits of predictive testing, with special emphasis on the participant's expectations for future change and improvement. Although the psychological impact appears mostly favorable for those with decreased risk, there is risk for a decline in psychological well-being over time for those with an increased risk for HD.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jun
pubmed:issn
0148-7299
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
27
pubmed:volume
70
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
365-70
pubmed:dateRevised
2010-11-18
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1997
pubmed:articleTitle
Long-term impact of Huntington disease linkage testing.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.