When uncertainty generates more anxiety than severity: the prenatal experience with cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung.

Aim: To assess reasons for higher levels of anxiety generated by prenatal counselling of a condition with good outcome such as cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung compared to a life-threatening malformation such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Materials And Methods: The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) was used to measure anxiety in two groups of mothers carrying a fetus with the respective malformation.

Results: Forty-four mothers completed the questionnaire (CCAM, n=21 and CDH, n=23).