Should genetic testing cause anxiety?
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Genetic testing can certainly cause anxiety, but experts offer different perspectives on how it might be managed or mitigated.
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Drs. Dean & Ayesha Sherzai from the discuss how knowing one's genetic predisposition, such as for Alzheimer's, can lead to stress and anxiety. They suggest living as if you have the genetic risk and making lifestyle changes rather than letting test results cause unnecessary worry, especially since lifestyle modifications can impact overall health and potentially mitigate risks 1.
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Doree Shafrir from the shares a personal experience of stress and anxiety leading up to genetic testing for cancer-related genes. She felt immense relief upon finding she had no genetic predispositions, but acknowledges that if the results had been different, it would have been harder to process, underscoring the emotional weight such information can carry 2.
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Dr. Aseem Malhotra on the expresses skepticism about the current validation of genetic tests and highlights the potential harms of false positives, which can lead to extreme anxiety and unnecessary medical procedures. He advises careful consideration before undergoing genetic testing, focusing instead on general lifestyle improvements 3.
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Samantha Harris on explains that her anxiety regarding genetic testing stemmed from fear of potential results. Despite her tests coming back negative, the anxiety of waiting was significant, highlighting the individual nature of health decisions and the emotional complexities involved 4.
Ultimately, while genetic testing can cause anxiety, it's important to weigh the benefits and potential stressors. Consulting with healthcare professionals and considering the emotional impacts are crucial steps in making informed decisions about genetic testing.
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