What genetic advances might mean for the consumer in mental illness.
OBJECTIVE
Increased research efforts into screening young people at risk of schizophrenia is anticipated. The aim of the present paper is to consider the ethical concerns raised by this research from a consumer's perspective.


METHODS
Insights into relevant ethical concerns obtained from personal experiences of psychotic illness are described.


RESULTS
A range of salient ethical issues were identified that need to be addressed in research proposals regarding the screening of people for schizophrenia risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The importance of research into the development of screening procedures for schizophrenia risk factors suggests that the ethical issues identified need urgent attention. Consumer input is essential in this endeavour.
Mitchell
M
M
Neuroscience Institute of Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders, Darlinghust, New South Wales, Australia. nisad@garvan.unsw.edu.au
D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control