What is Genetic Counseling?
In the process of genetic counseling, patients at risk of inherited diseases and their relatives are informed about the nature and consequences of the disease. The possibility that the person may increase or transmit the disease is discussed. Available options in treatment and family planning are explored in order to avoid, prevent or cure the disease. This complex process is evaluated from diagnostic (actual risk estimation) and supportive perspectives.
Psychiatric Genetic Counseling
This method can be used if there is a personal or family history of psychiatric or mental health conditions. Experts examine the person's past and family history, investigate the cause and explain the reasons. This service and type of treatment also determines the problems that the person and their family will experience in the future.
Why Apply for Genetic Counseling in Psychiatric Diseases?
- If you, your child or a family member has been diagnosed with a genetic disease,
- If you are concerned that you, your child or a family member has a genetic or inherited condition and would like to know more,
- If you have a family history of neurological disorders (Parkinson's disease, Ataxia, Dystonia, Huntington's chorea, etc.)
- If you have a family history of dementia or cerebral vascular disorders (Alzheimer's disease, Fronto-temporal degeneration, etc.),
- you have a family history of mental illness (Autism - in 2008 the FDA identified the genes for Autism, Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, etc.),
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are concerned about the health of your baby,
- If you were born from a consanguineous marriage,
you can consult a psychiatric genetic counselor. A psychiatric genetic counselor can help answer your questions about the cause of this condition or the possibility of it occurring again in your family. Such psychiatric conditions include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other disorders. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the risks to your child from this psychiatric disorder will also be discussed.
In general, no genetic testing is done during psychiatric genetic counseling sessions. However, during the session you can learn about the results of actual genetic research.
What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
To get the most out of the appointment, try to gather as much information as possible about psychiatric conditions in your family. Try to find out about
- Your own mental health history and current situation
- Who in your family has mental health problems?
- If you know, the diagnoses and names of people in your family with mental illness
- Age at diagnosis and onset of symptoms in people in your family?
What happens during the appointment?
A genetic counseling session lasts about an hour. The content of the session varies from person to person. However, here are some general examples of what might happen.
The genetic counselor takes a detailed family history. The more information you have about this, the better the counselor will be able to analyze and share with you the type and characteristics of psychiatric conditions that may run in your family.
The counselor will use your knowledge of your family history to provide information about the possible cause of the illness in your family. Some people want to talk about their own, their children's or other family members' risk of developing this psychiatric condition or related psychiatric conditions.
Provides information about the causes and symptoms of psychiatric illness
Although genetic testing for most psychiatric illnesses is not yet available, the genetic counselor will assess with you the possibility that other family members may be affected.
The genetic counselor also discusses environmental risk factors inside and outside the home, what to look for in a young person at risk and when to seek treatment.
The genetic counselor will help you develop strategies for coping emotionally with the risk in your family and the uncertainty that this brings.