[Amniocentesis in prenatal diagnosis for psychological reasons]

By means of a questionnaire and three personality tests, we investigated, whether there were any differences in the personality structure between patients who underwent an amniocentesis because of psychological indications, and a matched pair group of pregnant woman without amniocentesis. The results of the personality inventories showed no significant differences in the personality structure between both groups of pregnant women. In particular, they showed no difference with respect to the anxiety factor. As a result of our questionnaire we can state, that factors like education, the handicapped child in the environment, profession and the lack of commitment to bring up a handicapped child, influence the decision to undergo an amniocentesis.