How Psychophysical Stress Can Mediate the Effects of Anxiety and Depression on the Overall Quality of Life and Well-Being in Women Undergoing Hereditary Breast Cancer Screening.

Simple Summary: Women at risk of carrying a genetic mutation report higher levels of distress compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mediating role of psychophysical stress in the relationship of anxiety and depression with quality of life and well-being in women undergoing genetic counseling for BRCA1/2 mutations. The results indicate that psychophysical stress, generated by emotional distress, significantly influences the perceived mental well-being and overall psychophysical health. This paper emphasizes the need for integrated care, addressing psychological distress alongside physical health and recognizing the multifaceted impact of hereditary breast cancer screening on patients' overall quality of life and well-being. Background: Women undergoing genetic counseling for hereditary breast cancer often experience a high emotional burden. Distress and stress in the initial phases of genetic counseling can be significant predictors of long-term psychological health, influencing quality of life and well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of psychophysical stress in the relationship of anxiety and depression with quality of life and well-being in women undergoing genetic counseling for BRCA1/2 mutations. Methods: A sample of 193 women from two genetic counseling clinics was assessed using validated questionnaires measuring the psychological variables under study. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were also considered. Results: The results of path analyses indicated a mediating role of psychophysical stress on the relationship between emotional distress and mental quality of life and well-being: higher levels of anxiety and depression were associated with increased psychophysical stress, which, in turn, was linked to a reduced perceived mental quality of life and well-being. Depression was the only significant psychological predictor of physical quality of life. Conclusions: These findings indicate that addressing both anxiety and depression in genetic counseling is crucial for enhancing mental and overall well-being. Interventions should focus on stress management to improve the quality of life, emphasizing depression treatment to enhance physical health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]