title: Social work and genetic counseling.
abstract: Genetic counselors often impart anxiety-producing information to the patient and his family. A social worker should be available to help these individuals deal with the emotional impact of the genetic facts given them. Areas of concentration for the social worker in the genetics setting include aid in family planning, identification of psychosocial aspects of genetic disorders, and help in interpreting and understanding the genetic diagnosis and medical recommendations. The individual who discovers he possesses or transmits a defective gene needs help in improving his self-image and in relieving his guilt load.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities; D004644:Emotions; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012947:Social Work