Distress in MEN 2 family members and partners prior to DNA test disclosure

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) is an autosomal dominant early- onset cancer disorder. In the Netherlands presymptomatic genetic testing fo r MEN 2 is offered to testees from the age of five years. We report on adul ts requesting testing for themselves (n=90) and on parents who want an at-r isk child to be tested (n=26). Sociodemographic, personality, and attitude characteristics, and levels of psychological distress, were determined for applicants and their partners in the predisclosure phase of testing. These participants showed only mildly increased levels of psychological distress, defined as heightened scores on measures of general and test-related anxie ty, and of psychological complaints. Compared with a normal population, hig h levels of anxiety and health complaints were found in applicants who were younger than 25 years and single, and in persons who generally tended to r eact to distressful situations with anxiety or depression. These characteri stics were particularly evident in young applicants (<25 years). Our study shows that people who feel ambivalent towards DNA. testing and who are more vulnerable to psychological distress are more likely to agree to participa te in the test as part of a collective application by members of a heredita ry cancer family. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.