Abstract
Advances in genetics are ushering in a new era of molecular medicine that will impact all fields of medicine including psychiatry. Identification of genetic alterations associated with mental illness should facilitate development of innovative strategies for improved clinical care of affected and at-risk individuals through use of molecular diagnostics, genetic risk assessments, and pharmacogenetic agents. While these applications may ultimately improve disease-related morbidity, they could have negative consequences if they are inappropriately applied or interpreted. The risks of potential negative consequences will increase if mental health care providers and consumers are not well informed about the appropriate uses, benefits, risks, and limitations of emerging genetic information and technology. A recent survey of psychiatrists and Alliance of the Mentally III members regarding prenatal genetic testing revealed that both groups supported the development of prenatal testing for diseases with psychiatric manifestations (Milner et at, 1999). Surprisingly, their support for prenatal testing of adult-onset disorders, including Huntington disease, was in contrast to current practices by most clinical geneticists. We subsequently hypothesized that mental health professionals and consumers may have misconceptions about genetics due to a lack of exposure to up-to-date and accurate genetic information, and, that such misconceptions may negatively impact upon the availability of appropriate genetic counseling for individuals with, or at risk for, psychiatric disorders. To begin addressing these hypotheses we developed a survey to assess genetic knowledge, awareness of genetic services, and utilization of genetic resources. It was sent to over 900 mental health care providers. Analysis of 200 completed surveys reveals that most respondents understand some basic genetic principles. However, diverse opinions regarding genetic contributions to mental illness were noted. Few providers routinely refer clients with family histories of mental illness for genetic counseling. A similar survey for consumers is currently being administered. Results from provider and consumer surveys will be further analyzed to help determine what educational strategies and clinical services will be most helpful in providing genetic resources to mental health professionals and clients.
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Petty, E., Madeo, A., Smith, L. et al. An assessment of genetic knowledge and utilization among mental health care providers and consumers. Genet Med 2, 98 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1097/00125817-200001000-00171
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00125817-200001000-00171