Counseling implications in a client's choice of anesthesia during a first or repeat abortion.

Deciding to have an abortion is a process that causes most women a great deal of distress. This study addresses the question of whether a difference exists in psychological distress between women having abortions under local and general anesthesia. A two-factor analysis of variance design was utilized. The level of psychological distress among four groups of women was measured: Those experiencing a first-time and a repeat abortion under local anesthesia and those experiencing a first-time and repeat abortion under general anesthesia. A main effect for anesthesia was found for the variables of somatization, depression, hostility, psychotocism, global severity index, and positive symptom total. Specifically, women experiencing abortions under general anesthesia experienced more psychological distress in the above variables. Data suggest an association between psychological distress concerning the procedure and choice of anesthetic method may provide clues to the women's counseling needs.