Presymptomatic screening for schizophrenia: a geneticist's perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether the experience gained in offering various genetic tests may be of help in the planning for screening in schools for a personality profile that may identify those destined to develop schizophrenia.


METHODS
To examine the outcomes in offering genetic testing: (i) to individuals at risk of developing Huntington's disease; (ii) to school pupils for carrier status for cystic fibrosis; and (iii) to the intellectually handicapped in schools to identify those with the fragile X syndrome.


RESULTS
All programs however carefully planned, encounter the unexpected and unforeseen.


CONCLUSIONS
It is essential to know the specificity and sensitivity of your screening test; to ensure that all have adequate knowledge before consenting to the testing; to ensure the confidentiality of the test results to the individual being tested and their families; and to ensure that funding is adequate and ongoing to provide continuing support and therapy to the families identified when research converts to service.
Turner
G
G
University of Newcastle, Hunter Genetics, Waratah New South Wales, Australia. parturn@oze.com.au
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003219:Confidentiality; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology