Diagnosis Uncertainty Increases Patients Anxiety Level

Author: Radiological Society of North America
Published: 2010/11/29 - Updated: 2015/04/19
Topic: Rehabilitation and Hospitals - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Have you ever felt anxious and uneasy sitting in a doctor's waiting room or climbed the walls waiting for test results from your doctor.

Introduction

Have you ever felt uneasy sitting in a doctor's waiting room or climbed the walls waiting for your test results

Main Item

That feeling of anxious uncertainty can be more stressful than knowing you have a serious illness, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

"Not knowing your diagnosis is a very serious stressor," said the study's lead author, Elvira V. Lang, M.D., associate professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass. "It can be as serious as knowing that you have malignant disease or need to undergo a possibly risky treatment."

Dr. Lang and her colleague, Nicole Flory, Ph.D., studied the stress levels of 214 women scheduled to undergo different diagnostic and treatment procedures. Immediately prior to the procedures, each of the women completed four standardized tests measuring stress and anxiety levels: the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Impact of Events Scale (IES), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).

Of the 214 women, 112 were awaiting breast biopsy, a diagnostic procedure to investigate a suspicious lump in the breast; 42 were awaiting hepatic chemoembolization, a treatment for liver cancer; and 60 were awaiting uterine fibroid embolization, a treatment for uterine myoma or benign fibroids.

Breast biopsy patients reported significantly higher levels of anxiety, with an average STAI score of 48, than chemoembolization patients, who had an average STAI score of 26, and fibroid embolization patients, with an average STAI score of 24.

IES scores were not significantly different, but were higher among the breast biopsy patients (average score 26) than the other patient groups (average score 23). Average CES-D scores were 15 for breast biopsy patients, 14 for chemoembolization patients and 12 for fibroid embolization patients. PSS ratings were also highest among breast biopsy patients (average rating 18), compared to fibroid embolization patients (16) and chemoembolization patients (15).

"These results really drive the point home that the distress of not knowing your diagnosis is serious," Dr. Lang said. "We believe that healthcare providers and patients are not fully aware of this and may downplay the emotional toll of having a diagnostic exam."

According to Dr. Lang, simple steps can be taken to alleviate patient stress prior to a procedure. "Training the medical team in how to talk to patients makes a huge difference," she said. "This can diffuse tension right away and can help patients to shape expectations in a more helpful fashion."

RSNA is an association of more than 46,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists committed to excellence in patient care through education and research. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org)

For patient-friendly information on breast biopsy, chemoembolization and uterine fibroid embolization, visit RadiologyInfo.org

Explore Similar Topics

- Identifying words that can cause harm if said by doctors and clinicians to patients and families dealing with serious illness.

- In a bid to eliminate hospital acquired infections, objects have been investigated as breeding grounds for bacteria including coffee machines, doctors ties and hospital bibles.

Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Radiological Society of North America. (2010, November 29 - Last revised: 2015, April 19). Diagnosis Uncertainty Increases Patients Anxiety Level. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 12, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/medical/rehabilitation/diagnosis-uncertainty.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/rehabilitation/diagnosis-uncertainty.php">Diagnosis Uncertainty Increases Patients Anxiety Level</a>: Have you ever felt anxious and uneasy sitting in a doctor's waiting room or climbed the walls waiting for test results from your doctor.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.