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Psychological implications of genetic screening.
1Health Psychology Unit, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
Birth Defects Original Article Series
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Genetic screening provides health risk information, but can have unintended psychological effects. Further research and educational programs are needed to maximize benefits and minimize harms from genetic testing.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Genetic information about health risks has significant psychological impacts.
- These impacts are not always positive or intended.
- Previous assertions question the psychological benefits versus costs of genetic screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the psychological effects of genetic screening.
- To identify strategies for maximizing benefits of genetic testing.
- To determine methods for minimizing adverse psychological effects.
Main Methods:
- Requires well-planned studies to collect data on psychological outcomes.
- Analysis of psychological responses to genetic risk information.
- Evaluation of potential interventions.
Main Results:
- Psychological effects of genetic screening are significant and varied.
- Adverse effects require mitigation strategies.
- Benefits of genetic screening need to be weighed against psychological costs.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to understand and manage psychological impacts.
- Educational programs and protective legislation may be necessary.
- Data collection is crucial to validate the overall value of population-based genetic screening.