Genetic testing of children for predisposition to mood disorders: anticipating the clinical issues

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Large-scale sequencing enables genetic predisposition testing for common disorders.
• Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder are common mood disorders with genetic components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess parental intention to test children for mood disorder predisposition.
• To explore the influence of the Health Belief Model on testing decisions.
• To understand parental concerns and preferences regarding childhood genetic testing.

Main Methods:

• Interviewed 53 participants from Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative with personal/family history of mood disorders.
• Utilized the Health Belief Model framework for interviews.
• Assessed interest in hypothetical genetic tests with varying predictive values (90% and 20%).

Main Results:

• 87% of participants interested in a 90% predictive value test; 51% interested in a 20% predictive value test.
• Interest driven by perceived effects on parenting behaviors and discrimination.
• 64% favored testing before adolescence; reluctance to share results with asymptomatic children before adulthood.

Conclusions:

• Parental interest in childhood genetic testing for mood disorders is high, influenced by perceived outcomes and discrimination risks.
• Testing timing and result disclosure are key considerations for parents.
• Further research needed on generalizability, long-term effects on parent-child relationships, and the child's role in decision-making.