Abstract:
Steady progress in the field of psychiatric genetics, generating new
and fascinating insight into the genetic and phenotypic complexity of
schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses, have created an increased
need of psychiatric genetic counseling. It is a crucial aspect of psychiatric
clinical practice to ensure a balanced approach that takes into consideration
genetic and environmental risk factors and ongoing education in this
rapidly developing field is essential. Genetic counseling will be increasingly
important to assist patients with schizophrenia and their families to make a
meaningful informed decision about genetic testing. It will preempt unrealistic
expectations, discrimination and stigma related to incomplete understanding
of genetic test results in the psychiatric context.