Psychological Morbidity Following Genetic Counselling to Establish Degree of Risk for Autosomal Dominant Disorders: Huntington's Disease and Marfan's Syndrome

[摘要] Advances in molecular genetics have led to the availability of predictive test programmes for some individuals who are at risk for genetic disorders. This paper reviews the psychological implications of giving predictive test information to individuals who are at risk for the autosomal dominant disorder, Huntington's Disease. The implications for those receiving both increased and decreased risk advice are considered. Studies to date have concluded that in the majority of cases the benefits of predictive testing for this disorder far outweigh the costs. The author suggests that such conclusions may be premature and highlights the need for further research in this area.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow

[关键词] Clinical psychology, Counseling Psychology, Medical ethics