title: Anxiety after an abnormal screening mammogram is a serious problem.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to analyze the possible negative psychological consequences of a false positive screening mammogram (FPSM). We compared anxiety evoked by first (FSM) versus repeat screening mammogram (RSM). Questionnaires were completed prior to the diagnosis and during follow up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No differences in anxiety, depressive symptoms, and Quality of Life (QoL) were found between FSM (N = 186) or RSM (N = 296) groups. All women experienced high anxiety before diagnosis was known. High trait anxiety was predictive for more anxiety, depressive symptoms, and lower QoL. Women with low score on trait anxiety were more momentary anxious in FSM group compared with RSM group (p = 0.048).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Negative psychological consequences after an FPSM are seen in all women. These effects are strengthened by personality and timing of the screening mammogram. All women should receive correct information concerning the negative psychological effects and should be offered psychosocial support if needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Medical Center Alkmaar, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Claudia M G
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Keyzer-Dekker
authors.forename: Jolanda
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: De Vries
authors.forename: Lotje
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van Esch
authors.forename: Miranda F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Ernst
authors.forename: Grard A P
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Nieuwenhuijzen
authors.forename: Jan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Roukema
authors.forename: Alida F W
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: van der Steeg
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D003863:Depression; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000523:psychology*; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires