For example, in the middle of a divorce or break up of a relationship, or at a stressful time at school or work is not a good time to be tested. Testing at a time of celebration may not be optimal, for example, directly before or after marriage or in the middle of important holidays. It is useful to make a decision about whether or not to be tested even if the decision is not an absolute yes or no answer. If you decide to be tested it is important to plan who you will tell. Planning what you will do the day you are given the results can be helpful.
Many people feel relief at having an answer and disbelief that the answer is accurate.
Often people express a feeling of loss of identity, particularly if the result is different from the one they expected. This is particularly true if those decisions were permanent, for example, decisions about whether or not to have children or career paths. Participating with a HD support group or continued support from their HD testing center can help them feel they are not alone. An appointment in the HD testing center or with a neurologist may help to sort through some of these fears. Feelings such as depression, anger, loss of hope, despair and severe stress can occur.