Evaluation of psychosocial aspects in participants of cancer genetic counseling

Abstract

BackgroundThe instrument called “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” (HADS) is frequently used to evaluate anxious and depressive symptomatology in patients who receive Cancer Genetic Counseling (CGC). However, this instrument cannot identify all of the psychosocial factors, such as the antecedents of the patients’ emotional states or their concerns. The objective of the present research was to compare cases detected with psychosocial alterations by means of HADS and a Psychological Health Interview (PHI).MethodsA transversal analytical design was used. One hundred ten participants were included (97.3% females and 2.7% males). The average age was 45 years ±10 years.ResultsThe PHI identified twice the amount of participants with psychosocial alterations than did HADS, which only detected 43% of these participants.ConclusionsThe results of our study suggest that the PHI should be applied in addition to HADS to identify participants who would require psychological support due to recurrent concerns.

Perceptions and care Recommendations from Previvors: Qualitative analysis of female BRCA1/2 mutation Carriers’ experience with genetic testing and counseling

“…When receiving a positive genetic test result, women’s emotions ranged from extremely negative (e.g., depression/loss, anger, guilt, frustration) to extremely positive (e.g., empowerment and self-advocacy). Prior research has also found similar emotional ranges in this population ( Hesse-Biber, 2018 , Cicero et al, 2017 , Gonzalez-Ramirez et al, 2017 , Oberguggenberger et al, 2016 , Wenzel et al, 2012 ), mostly describing negative emotions, whereas the current study found they coexisted in relation to risk status ( Peshkin et al, 2016 ). Also consistent with previous research, participants described themselves as “pre-vivors”, not fitting into their own cancer-oriented category (patient or survivor) ( Dean, 2016 , Dean et al, 2017 , Dean and Rauscher, 2017 , Getachew-Smith et al, 2019 , Herndl, 2014 ).…”

Genetic cancer risk assessment: A screenshot of the psychosocial profile of women at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome

“…An European study found that at the pre‐GT moment there was not the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms . On the other side, previous data from the literature showed that the HADS application is not enough to identify psychological alterations, and need the application of other tools to complement the evaluation . This is why it is important to highlight the data from the qualitative analysis that reveal the presence of the “attitudes, feelings and emotions” category, which shows that the participants experience worries and negative feelings that might interfere with aspects of anxiety and depression.…”

“…During the GCRA, some patients might develop anxiety and depression; anguish due to fear of the unknown; and psychological problems related to living with cancer, hereditary predisposition and family issues . Some patients commonly seek psychological help during counseling to discuss problems concerning self‐acceptance and family dynamic issues, such as difficulties in family communication, worries about stigma and effects on future family generations …”

Mental Illness and BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing Intention Among Multiethnic Women Undergoing Screening Mammography

“…About 25% of patients who attend genetic counseling experience clinically significant levels of anxiety, and anxiety levels have been associated with decision making and adherence to screening methods and to risk-reduction measures (González-Ramírez et al, 2017). Psychoeducation, a form of psychosocial intervention, has been well documented in the literature to improve coping among individuals with mental illness (Bevan Jones et al, 2018).…”

“…Prior to genetic testing, mental health history should be considered because individuals with a psychiatric history may be at greater risk for anxiety post-genetic testing (Hirschberg, Chan-Smutko, & Pirl, 2015). Useful screening tools, such as the psychosocial aspects of hereditary cancer questionnaire and the psychological health interview, assess psychosocial functioning of individuals who intend to undergo genetic counseling and testing (González-Ramírez et al, 2017). These tools may facilitate greater completion of genetic testing, particularly among multiethnic women, who are more likely to experience cancer health disparities.…”