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[Genetic counseling. Past time, present time, future]
1Medicinsk Genetik, Odense.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|December 21, 1992
Summary
Genetic counseling, despite advances in genomics, has limited research on its social and individual impacts. Decisions are often reinforced, with genetic risks playing a minor role compared to prenatal diagnosis availability.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Medical Counseling
- Social Science
Context:
- Advances in human genome knowledge offer new diagnostic possibilities.
- Limited scientific investigation into the social and individual impacts of genetic counseling.
- International consensus supports non-directive genetic counseling.
Purpose:
- To review recent literature on the effects of genetic counseling.
- To highlight the gap in research regarding the psychosocial impact of genetic counseling.
- To analyze factors influencing reproductive decisions after genetic counseling.
Summary:
- Genetic counseling appears to reinforce pre-existing family decisions rather than altering them based on objective genetic risks.
- The availability of prenatal diagnosis may influence family planning, potentially increasing the desire for more children.
- Objective genetic risks play a limited role in reproductive decision-making post-counseling.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for more research into the psychosocial dimensions of genetic counseling.
- Informs healthcare providers about the limited influence of objective risk data on patient decisions.
- Suggests that reproductive choices are influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond genetic information.