Linked Life Data

9809331

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/9809331

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
5
pubmed:dateCreated
1999-2-2
pubmed:abstractText
The number of women in the UK seeking genetic counselling, testing and preventative treatment is rapidly increasing. In Manchester 600-800 women are now referred annually to the Family History Clinic. As yet there is no formal provision for this service within the NHS, but research is underway to evaluate such clinics and to identify the psychosocial sequelae of genetic risk counselling. To date, findings have been based on questionnaire data from which it is difficult to ascertain support needs accurately. We interviewed 158 women 3 months after genetic risk counselling because of a family history of breast cancer. Using standard assessment and diagnostic criteria, 21 (13%) women were diagnosed with an affective disorder. This compared with a prevalence of 26% using the 28 item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). We did not find a relationship between GHQ distress levels and women's understanding of their risk before genetic counselling, but women with accurate risk knowledge post-counsel had significantly lower GHQ scores than those who continued to over or under-estimate and this finding warrants further investigation. Of women referred for psychological help, few reported risk of breast cancer as their main concern, but themes of loss, unresolved grief and relationship problems were common. The value of the GHQ as a screening instrument is discussed and we suggest a new threshold value based on our analysis. We conclude that risk counselling does not adversely affect the general mental health of attenders but a minority of women may need help with the impact of breast cancer in the family.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
1057-9249
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
7
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
402-12
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:articleTitle
Psychological support needs for women at high genetic risk of breast cancer: some preliminary indicators.
pubmed:affiliation
CRC Psychological Medicine Group, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, UK.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't