PRENATAL SCREENING FOR CYSTIC-FIBROSIS - PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON CARRIERS AND THEIR PARTNERS

This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of screening for c ystic fibrosis (CF) carrier status in a population of pregnant women. A cohort of 1798 women, who accepted the offer of testing before 18 we eks of pregnancy, filled in a self administered questionnaire seeking information on their perceived risk of carrier status and their emotio nal response, as well as a general health questionnaire (GHQ). Sixty-f our women identified as CF carriers had partners who received a negati ve test result. This group and their partners were assessed, together with selected controls, on four further occasions: (1) on receiving th e carrier's positive test result; (2) on receiving the partner's negat ive test result; (3) six weeks later; (4) six weeks after delivery. Th e instruments used were the GHQ and the Symptom Rating Test (SRT). Whe n compared to control subjects, carriers showed a significant increase in generalised psychological disturbance which could be attributed sp ecifically to symptoms of anxiety and depression during the period (av erage four days) that they awaited their partner's test result. On rec eiving a partner's negative test result, the carriers returned to cont rol levels and maintained this equilibrium. Although there was no sign ificant difference in generalised psychological disturbance between pa rtners and their selected controls, partners did become significantly more anxious and manifested feelings of inadequacy while awaiting thei r own test result. Both male partners and male control subjects were m ore likely to become anxious if their partner was distressed.