Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess anxiety and depression in a sample of women presenting for imaging of the breast following a clinical referral. Emotional distress in the women was also assessed in relation to demographic factors, reason for referral, presence of breast symptoms, type of imaging procedure performed, and self-reported pain and discomfort during imaging.

Patients and methods: The study comprised 167 patients. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and a discomfort rating scale were used to assess emotional distress and discomfort or pain experienced during the imaging.

Results: While less than 10% of all subjects scored above psychiatric cut-off points for anxiety and depression, 25% and 20% reported significant distress associated with anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. Education alone was associated with higher anxiety scores, while the presence of breast symptoms significantly increased depression scores and reports of specific nonsomatic symptoms of depression. Higher anxiety and depression scores were also associated with pain experienced during the imaging procedure.

Conclusion: Emotional distress may negatively impact womenâs experience of breast imaging. Screening for emotional distress is important within the context of breast imaging.