How will information about the genetic risk of mental disorders impact on stigma?
OBJECTIVE
To suggest ways of testing hypotheses about the impact that information on genetic risk may have on the social stigma of mental disorders and to analyse the implications of these hypotheses for genetic screening for mental disorders.


METHODS
Literature review and critical analysis and synthesis.


RESULTS
An optimistic view is that information on the genetic risk for mental disorders will reduce blame and social stigma experienced by individuals living with mental disorder. A more pessimists view is that genetic risk information and the use of predictive genetic testing will lead to earlier stigmatization of those at risk of mental disorders. Research is identified that is needed to provide a better understanding of the implications of predictive genetic testing for the stigmatization of different mental health disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
It is essential that research on the genetics of mental disorders is accompanied by social science research on the ways in which genetic findings influence the lives of those who are tested.
Spriggs
Merle
M
Ethics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Vic., Australia. merle.spriggs@mcri.edu.au
Olsson
Craig A
CA
Hall
Wayne
W
D030881:Disclosure; D026690:Ethics, Clinical; D005239:Fear; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012752:Shame; D013240:Stereotyping
C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins