Bramanti SM, Trumello C, Lombardi L, Cavallo A, Stuppia L, Antonucci I, Babore A. Uncertainty following an inconclusive result from the BRCA1/2 genetic test: A review about psychological outcomes.
World J Psychiatry 2021;
11:189-200. [PMID:
34046315 PMCID:
PMC8134867 DOI:
10.5498/wjp.v11.i5.189]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
An inconclusive result from BRCA1/2 genetic testing indicates that a genetic variant of uncertain significance is detected. This case constitutes the majority of genetic test results, but studies specifically addressing the psychological adjustment of people with inconclusive results are scarce.
AIM
To examine psychological outcomes of receiving an uninformative BRCA1/2 test result.
METHODS
PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were screened for studies focusing on distress, anxiety, and depression levels in individuals with inconclusive genetic test results. This review is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method.
RESULTS
Studies on psychological outcomes of inconclusive BRCA1/2 focused on general and specific distress, anxiety, and depression. Overall, they produced mixed results. These inconsistent findings are probably due to the uncertainty caused by this type of result, that may also influence the decisions of individuals about surveillance and prophylactic options, reducing their compliance. In addition, this review highlights specific risk and protective factors that affect psychological adjustment in individuals with an inconclusive genetic testing result.
CONCLUSION
Individuals with inconclusive genetic test results need specific educational programs and support to better understand the meaning of their results in order to be able to make decisions about surveillance and prophylactic options.
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