Cystic Fibrosis Carrier
This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of screening for
cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier status in a population of pregnant women. A
cohort of 1798 women, who accepted the offer of testing before 18 weeks
of pregnancy, filled in a self administered questionnaire seeking
information on their perceived risk of carrier status and their
emotional response, as well as a general health questionnaire (GHQ).
Sixty-four women identified as CF carriers had partners who received a
negative test result. This group and their partners were assessed,
together with selected controls, on four further occasions: (1) on
receiving the carrier's positive test result; (2) on receiving the
partner's negative test result; (3) six weeks later; (4) six weeks after
delivery. The instruments used were the GHQ and the Symptom Rating Test
(SRT). When compared to control subjects, carriers showed a significant
increase in generalised psychological disturbance which could be
attributed specifically to symptoms of anxiety and depression during the
period (average four days) that they awaited their partner's test
result. On receiving a partner's negative test result, the carriers
returned to control levels and maintained this equilibrium. Although
there was no significant difference in generalised psychological
disturbance between partners and their selected controls, partners did
become significantly more anxious and manifested feelings of inadequacy
while awaiting their own
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