title: Psychiatric genetics: a survey of psychiatrists' knowledge, opinions, and practice patterns.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Knowledge about the genetic basis of psychiatric illness is growing rapidly, and psychiatrists may be called upon to incorporate this information into clinical practice. The goal of this study was to assess psychiatrists' familiarity with and attitudes toward genetic information.
  
  
  METHODS
  We surveyed 844 participants, the majority of whom were psychiatrists, attending a continuing medical education course in the fall of 2002 and measured knowledge, opinions, and current practice patterns in regard to psychiatric genetics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Responses were received from 352 psychiatrists (54% of those surveyed). Most psychiatrists correctly answered fewer than half of survey items assessing general and psychiatric genetic knowledge. While 83% considered it their role to discuss genetic information with patients and families, fewer than 25% felt prepared or competent to do so. In response to hypothetical questions regarding genetic testing, a substantial proportion of psychiatrists indicated willingness to use such tests for diagnostic clarification, as well as presymptomatic and even prenatal risk prediction. The majority of respondents expressed interest in further genetics education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that psychiatrists view genetic information as clinically relevant, but have limitations in knowledge that may impact the incorporation of psychiatric genetics into clinical practice.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, the Psychiatric Genetics Program in Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass. 02115, USA. cfinn@partners.org
authors: Christine T
authors: CT
authors: Finn
authors: Marsha A
authors: MA
authors: Wilcox
authors: Bruce R
authors: BR
authors: Korf
authors: Deborah
authors: D
authors: Blacker
authors: Stephanie R
authors: SR
authors: Racette
authors: Pamela
authors: P
authors: Sklar
authors: Jordan W
authors: JW
authors: Smoller
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D010819:Physician's Role; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*