The Impact of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing on Anxiety in Women Considered at High or Low Risk for Aneuploidy after Combined First Trimester Screening.

Objective The aim of this study was to (1) examine the psychological impact of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in women with a high-risk (≥1:300) and low-risk (≤1:301) result on combined First Trimester Screening (cFTS); and (2) to examine factors influencing anxiety and decision-making in both risk populations. Method Questionnaires and structured interviews were administered to low (n = 50) and high (n =63) risk women at the time of NIPT blood draw (point A) and again at least one week after receiving their NIPT result (point B). Anxiety levels were measured at these two time points using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results Both high and low risk cFTS groups demonstrated similar intrinsic (trait) anxiety levels (36+10 vs. 35+10; p=0.70). High risk women had significantly higher levels of state anxiety at point A than low risk women (42+11 vs. 36+11; p<0.01). Both groups had a statistically significant reduction (p<0.01), to similar final levels of state anxiety at point B (30+11 vs. 29+8; P=0.61). Conclusion Women receiving a high-risk result on cFTS have higher levels of state anxiety than their low risk counterparts. Following a low risk NIPT result, the anxiety levels in both populations are reduced to similar levels.