EXPLORATION OF THE EFFECTS OF PREDICTIVE TESTING FOR HUNTINGTON DISEASE ON INTIMATE-RELATIONSHIPS

The focus in predictive testing for Huntington disease is beginning to shift from individuals at risk to an examination of the effects on ot her relatives, particularly on spouses and partners. We examine the ef fects of participating in a predictive testing program for 25 couples, When assessed prior to testing, spouses were significantly more depre ssed than their at-risk partners. After pretest counseling, 6 (24%) of the couples chose not to pursue testing, At baseline, these 6 couples had significantly higher levels of psychological distress and marital dysfunction than couples who did choose to complete testing. Of the 1 9 couples completing testing, 5 received an increased risk result and 14 received a decreased risk result. Prior to testing, the partners of individuals who later received an increased risk result exhibited hig her levels of marital distress. At 3- and 6-month follow-ups, high-ris k couples were significantly more distressed than low-risk couples. Th ese levels of distress improved somewhat at 9 months after testing, bu t began to climb again at 12 months. Individuals at increased risk wer e significantly more distressed at all points during follow-up as comp ared to individuals at low risk. No significant differences were found between the partners of high- and low-risk individuals at 3, 6, 9, an d 12 months after disclosure. The significance of these findings and t he need to include partners in pretest counseling prior to genetic tes ting are discussed. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.