The implications of genomics on the nursing care of adults with neuropsychiatric conditions.
OBJECTIVE
Neuropsychiatric disorders contribute substantially to disease burden and quality of life across the lifespan and the globe. The purpose of this article is to review the state of the science regarding genomic contributions to selected common neuropsychiatric conditions and to examine the consequent immediate and future implications for nursing practice and research.


METHODS
Our work is guided by an ecological model that recognizes that common diseases are complex or multifactorial, meaning that multiple genomic and environmental factors contribute to their etiology.


METHODS
A review of the literature was conducted to determine the state of the science in relationship to the genomic contributions to selected neuropsychiatric disorders.


RESULTS
Neuropsychiatric conditions are genomically heterogeneous, both within a single disorder and across groups of disorders. While recent genomic research yields clinically validated and useful information for a small subset of persons (e.g., predictive genetic testing for Huntington disease and early-onset Alzheimer disease), broad clinical application of genetic information is not yet available. In addition, the implications of genomics for the development and targeting of nonpharmacologic treatment strategies is largely unexplored.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to expand knowledge beyond genomic risk for the presence of disease to knowledge about the genomic risk for symptoms, symptom burden, and tailored symptom management interventions.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge about the genomic influences on neuropsychiatric conditions suggests important implications for practicing nurses in the identification of persons at risk, provision of follow-up support, and in the administration of medications.
Michigan State University College of Nursing, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. schutted@msu.edu
Debra L
DL
Schutte
Marilyn A
MA
Davies
Emilie D
ED
Goris
D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015894:Genome, Human; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D012307:Risk Factors