The psychological impact caused by genital warts: has the Department of Health's choice of vaccination missed the opportunity to prevent such morbidity?

Abstract

This study evaluated the psychological impact caused by genital warts and whether this altered over time. Eighty-four patients with genital warts and a group of 28 appropriately matched volunteers from the local general population were recruited. The patients were divided into three groups of 28 according to the Health Protection Agency classification codes for genital warts. A comprehensive health questionnaire was completed by all participants. Patients with first attack genital warts experienced significantly more distress, anxiety and depression and were less satisfied with their lives than all the other groups. They also reported less satisfaction with the practical support they received. The recurrent episode genital warts group experienced significantly high levels of emotional distress and the re-registered group reported significantly less emotional and practical support according to their needs. While the first attack genital warts group experienced the most psychological effects, it is clear that those effects did not disappear as an individual came to terms with their diagnosis. The choice of vaccine to prevent cervical cancer will not prevent clinical warts occurring and therefore will not help prevent the psychological morbidity associated with this condition.