A Counselling Model for BRCA1/2 Genetic Susceptibility Testing.
When BRCA1/2 genetic susceptibility testing was introduced in the clinic in the mid-nineties, the "Huntington protocol" was used in the counselling of individuals applying for genetic testing. This protocol includes at least three sessions with a certain reflection period before blood sampling. Evidence on the psychological impact of BRCA1/2 genetic susceptibility testing has been accumulating in the last years. We will give a short overview of these psychological studies in order to reflect the need of using the extensive Huntington protocol in the counselling of individuals applying for BRCA1/2 genetic susceptibility testing. A shortened and more flexible BRCA1/2 counselling protocol is delineated, in which the attention is focused on the needs and strengths of the individual.
Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. i.vanoostrom@erasmusmc.nl.
Iris
I
van Oostrom
Aad
A
Tibben