Consumer attitudes and preferences toward psychiatric genetic counselling and educational resources: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: The etiology of psychiatric disorders is multifactorial including genomic and environmental risk factors. Psychiatric genetic counseling is an emerging field that may promote processes of adaptation to, and the management of, psychiatric disorders. Many countries lack dedicated services leading to a gap in care. This scoping review will inform the development of psychiatric genetics-based educational resources.

Objectives: To explore individuals with a psychiatric disorder and their relatives' attitudes and beliefs toward psychiatric genetics, genetic counseling, and genetics-based education. To evaluate how best to convey education to consumers.

Method: Database literature searches occurred on May 2nd, 2023, using PubMed, Medline, and PsycINFO. Reviews, letters to the editor, case reports, and publications before 2003 were excluded.

Results: Twenty-four papers met the inclusion criteria. Results suggest individuals with a psychiatric disorder and their relatives tended to overestimate risk, and express concern about reproductive decision- making. Genetic counseling and educational resources were perceived to be useful and empowering.

Conclusion: Affected individuals and relatives are interested in gaining greater insight into their own and/or their relative's psychiatric disorder, management strategies, and understanding familial risks.

Practice implications: The evidence from this review may inform the development of genetics-based educational resources or guide future research.

Keywords: Genetic counseling; Mental illness; Patient education; Psychiatric genetics.