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Ethical issues in psychiatric genetics research: points to consider
Barbara Bowles Biesecker1, Holly Landrum Peay
1Medical Genetics Branch/National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, MSC 1852, Bethesda, MD 20892-1852, USA. barbarab@nhgri.nih.gov
Psychopharmacology
|September 19, 2003
Summary
Ethical considerations in psychiatric genetics research are crucial, especially when sharing susceptibility data. Researchers must prepare for future challenges in genetic research to protect participants.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Bioethics
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Psychiatric genetics research involves complex ethical considerations, particularly when working with affected families.
- Challenges arise in establishing infrastructure and ensuring participant safety when offering genetic susceptibility data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline ethical issues in psychiatric genetics research.
- To consider the impact of identifying psychiatric disorder susceptibility genes on future research.
- To provide guidance for conducting research involving the offer of susceptibility data.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of ethical issues in psychiatric genetics research with affected families.
- Exploration of reasons for offering susceptibility data to participants.
Main Results:
- Researchers should anticipate how knowledge advancements may influence the provision of genetic research findings, even if not initially planning to offer results.
- Proactive consideration of future implications is recommended for all researchers in the field.
Conclusions:
- Ethical challenges in psychiatric genetics will intensify with the identification of susceptibility genes for major psychiatric disorders.
- Researchers, mental health professionals, and geneticists must proactively address ethical conflicts to best support research participants.