Depression and anxiety symptoms in women at high risk for breast cancer: pilot study of a group intervention.
OBJECTIVE
The psycho-oncology literature to date contains only one outcome study based on a group model for high-risk relatives of breast cancer patients. The authors set out to study the effects of group intervention in high-risk relatives of breast cancer patients.


METHODS
Thirty-three high-risk relatives of breast cancer patients participated in a six-session, 12-hour group intervention model that consisted of educational and psychosocial components.


RESULTS
There was a significant reduction of depression symptoms as reported on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Similarly, there was a significant reduction of anxiety symptoms as reported on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory state scale.


CONCLUSIONS
In this pilot study, the investigators found the group intervention model effective at reducing symptoms of depression and reactive (not chronic) anxiety.
Wellisch
D K
DK
Department of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine 90024, USA.
Hoffman
A
A
Goldman
S
S
Hammerstein
J
J
Klein
K
K
Bell
M
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome