Anticipatory anxiety and interpersonal relations with the radiologist of patients undergoing diagnostic imaging

A pilot study has been carried out with the aim of evaluating the impact of updated imaging techniques (CT and MRI) versus "simple" examinations (tomography, X-rays, US, and nuclear medicine) on the anticipatory anxiety of the patients, as well as on the radiologist-patient relationship. Ninety consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic imaging modalities were examined according to the following schedule: 1) preliminary interview and anxiety assessment according to HRSA; 2) diagnostic imaging investigation, and 3) filling out an "ad hoc" questionnaire. The collected data have been divided into two groups: the "simple" group (52 patients submitted to X-rays, tomography, US, and nuclear medicine), and the "complex" group (38 patients submitted to CT and MRI). Anticipatory anxiety was observed in all subjects and attained psychopathological rates in more than half of them. Anxiety proved to be related to the completion of the examination rather than to its complexity. The questionnaire has pointed out the need for a more interactive relationship between radiologist and patient during diagnostic imaging examinations.