| Predictive genetic testing is currently being used to determine presymptomatic risk status for at least 950 diseases. The objective of genetic testing is to provide early intervention, delay disease onset, or prevent disease onset. However, our ability to prevent and treat disease lags behind our ability to identify at-risk individuals. The "genetic window" has been opened without full consideration of the psychological impact of at-risk status in the absence of effective medical intervention.;The Prospective Assessment of Newborns for Diabetes Autoimmunity (PANDA) study is cutting-edge research aimed at identifying newborns at risk for type 1 diabetes. To date, few published studies document the psychological impact of predictive tests for type 1 diabetes and even fewer rely on newborn genetic screening to determine risk status. The current study examined maternal depression and anxiety in response to the newborn's risk status. Further, this study evaluated the impact of postpartum depression and history of major depression on maternal response, maternal understanding of newborn risk, and intent to continue with the PANDA study.;Mothers in the current study did not experience elevations in maternal depressive symptoms in response to the newborn's risk status initially or after several months. Mothers did experience elevated levels of anxiety upon notification of the newborn's at risk status and a decline to near normal levels over time. Maternal characteristics (e.g., ethnic minority status), PANDA study variables (e.g., greater degree of newborn risk), and postpartum depression were associated with higher levels of anxiety. Maternal accuracy and underestimation of newborn risk was associated with maternal characteristics (e.g., less education) and state responses of anxiety and depression.;The current study has established that postpartum depression is related to maternal anxiety, maternal depressive symptoms, maternal intent to continue with newborn genetic monitoring, and study drop out. Thus, measurement of postpartum depression should be implemented as a screening tool in newborn genetic screening programs to identify mothers at risk for more severe reactions as well as those mothers who drop out. Overall, the current study has promoted more specific understanding of the psychological impact of newborn genetic screening for type 1 diabetes. |
