What is an effective approach to alleviate a patient's worry about their genetic risk?

Talking through safety measures if their test results are negative is an effective approach to alleviate a patient's worry about their genetic risk because it aims to provide reassurance and a sense of control. This strategy helps patients to visualize a positive scenario and think about how they can take proactive steps to protect their health, even if they may be at risk. By focusing on what steps can be taken after receiving negative test results, it shifts the conversation to empowerment and reassurance, which can reduce anxiety and help the patient feel supported.

Additionally, discussing safety measures reinforces the idea that they have options and tools at their disposal to manage their health, which can mitigate feelings of helplessness that often accompany worries regarding genetic risks. It also fosters an open dialogue where patients can express their concerns, ask questions, and feel like their worries are being taken seriously.

In contrast, encouraging patients to ignore their concerns would likely increase anxiety, as ignoring worries does not resolve the underlying issues they face. Simply discussing potential negative outcomes could further heighten their fears without offering any constructive ways to cope. Providing a list of all possible mutations may overwhelm the patient with information, potentially increasing their anxiety rather than alleviating it, as they might fixate on rare or severe mutations without any context for action or management.