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Direct-to-consumer testing: if consumers are not anxious, why are policymakers?
1Faculty of Law and School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. tcaulfld@law.ualberta.ca
Human Genetics
|April 12, 2011
Summary
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC) is growing, but evidence suggests it causes little anxiety or behavioral change. Further research should guide policy for this evolving genetic information landscape.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Behavioral Science
- Health Policy
Background:
- Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC) is gaining public and policy attention.
- Increased access to DTC genetic services is anticipated.
- Concerns exist regarding potential psychological distress from DTC genetic information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of DTC genetic risk information on individual anxiety levels.
- To assess the effect of DTC genetic risk information on individual behavior.
- To inform the regulatory approach to the DTC genetic testing industry.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging evidence on the psychological and behavioral effects of DTC genetic testing.
- Analysis of current research findings concerning genetic risk information dissemination.
- Synthesis of data to assess the impact on anxiety and behavior.
Main Results:
- Emerging evidence indicates that genetic risk information from DTC services has minimal impact on individual anxiety.
- Genetic risk information appears to have little effect on individual behavior.
- Current data suggests that fears of undue anxiety may be overstated.
Conclusions:
- The psychological and behavioral impact of DTC genetic testing may be less significant than commonly assumed.
- Further research is necessary to fully understand the implications of DTC genetic information.
- Evidence-based research should guide regulatory policies for the DTC genetic testing industry.
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