Genetic counseling in psychiatry.
While psychiatrists may commonly discuss family history in clinical practice, there has been little systematic research documenting the role and effectiveness of genetic counseling for psychiatric disorders. In the coming years, the expected identification of susceptibility genes for psychiatric disorders may bring new opportunities and expectations from patients and families for the clinical translation of research findings in psychiatric genetics. We review evidence for possible increasing demand for genetic counseling, particularly if specific genes related to psychiatric disorders are identified. We then explore both the potential role of genetic counseling for psychiatric disorders and the issues involved in conveying genetic information in the clinical setting. Further research regarding the effectiveness of counseling interventions, as well as additional efforts directed at genetics education for clinicians, will be needed if emerging advances in genetic research are to be incorporated into clinical practice.
Finn
Christine T
CT
Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Genetics Program in Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. cfinn@partners.org
Smoller
Jordan W
JW
D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education; D012008:Recurrence; D018570:Risk Assessment