Psychiatric genetic counselling for parents of individuals affected with XXXX : a pilot study.

@entity1 @entity1032 @entity146 @entity914 @entity716
AIM: There has been increasing interest in the concept of applying genetic counselling to @entity146 , but despite its relevance to @entity146 , and interest from the target group, there have been no empiric investigations of @entity146 genetic counselling. In a population of unaffected parents of individuals with first episode as well as more chronic @entity914 , we aimed to investigate whether @entity146 genetic counselling: is perceived to be useful, could increase understanding of the causes of @entity146 and decrease concern about other relatives becoming affected. METHODS: Subjects (n=13) participated in a genetic counselling session. The session was a clinical intervention similar to what would be carried out as part of a referral for any disease with a hereditary component, but specific for @entity716 . Questionnaires were used to assess (pre-counselling): motivations for attending, concern about other relatives developing @entity146 , and (post-counselling) whether the intervention: (i) improved understanding of @entity1032 ; (ii) modified concern about other relatives becoming affected; and (iii) was perceived to be useful. RESULTS: Desire for knowledge motivated participation. Immediately after the session, and 1 month later >92% and 100% of @entity1 , respectively, felt that the session was useful. Genetic counselling reduced concern about other relatives becoming affected as risks were lower than @entity1 had expected. All @entity1 felt that their understanding of the causes of @entity146 had improved through genetic counselling. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric genetic counselling may benefit parents of individuals with @entity146 illnesses. Avenues for future research are highlighted.
