Predictors of psychological adjustment to genetic testing for Huntington's disease.
In the present study the authors assessed predictors of adjustment to genetic testing for Huntington's disease. Fifty-two genetically positive and 108 genetically negative persons were studied for 1 year following testing. Adjustment, defined by hopelessness and depressive symptoms, was measured at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after disclosure and was within normal limits for both groups. Those less well adjusted had tested positive, were married, had no children, or were closer to their estimated ages of onset. The study delineated risk factors for psychological distress that should be considered by people contemplating testing for Huntington's disease.
Codori
A M
AM
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-4218, USA. acodori@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu
Slavney
P R
PR
Young
C
C
Miglioretti
D L
DL
Brandt
J
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors