Demand for predictive genetic testing for Huntington's disease in Australia, 1987 to 1993.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the demand for genetic testing for Huntington's disease among at-risk individuals and for prenatal testing among parents at risk of transmitting the disease, from January 1987 to March 1993.


METHODS
Questionnaires were sent to all State coordinators of genetic testing services.


RESULTS
One hundred and ninety adults (5.5% of those at risk) and 56 fetuses were tested. Nine per cent more women than men used the service. Most people tested were married and had offspring. Men generally presented for testing at an older age than women.


CONCLUSIONS
The low uptake for testing is not surprising given the severity and untreatability of the illness. Careful monitoring is required, particularly of the effects on individuals told of their genetic status and of possible abuse of the information by third parties.
Taylor
S D
SD
Department of Psychiatry, Launceston General Hospital, TAS.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires