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.
van Oostrom
Iris
I
Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. i.vanoostrom@erasmusmc.nl.
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