Genetic Counseling
What is genetic counseling?
Genetic counseling is a discussion with a specially
trained health care provider, a genetic counselor, about
the risk of genetic disorder or birth defect in a family
or the occurrence of a genetic disorder in a person or
family. The goal of the discussion is to help the person
or family understand the inheritance of the genetic
disorder, risks to family members, available testing and
management. Additionally, the genetic counselor provides
information about testing and management choices in the
context of the family's view of the risks, family goals,
ethical, and religious beliefs. (1)
What is a genetic counselor?
A genetic counselor is a specially trained health care
professional with expertise in helping people understand
how inherited disease and genetic testing could affect
them and their families. Genetic counselors are most
commonly board-certified specialists with master's
degrees in human genetics. Genetic counselors can also
be physicians who are clinical geneticists or genetic
nurse clinicians. (1)
What happens during a genetic counseling session?
During the genetic counseling appointment, a genetic
counselor will discuss any genetic concerns individuals
or families may have for themselves, their children, or
their pregnancies. The genetic counselor will ask
specific questions about medical and family history and
discuss concerns that are identified. If tests are
available for inherited conditions of the family, the
genetic counselor will review them in detail.
Occasionally, another appointment is scheduled to
discuss the results in depth. The common components of a
genetic session include (1):
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Discussion of the reason the patient was referred
-
Review of the family, medical, and pregnancy
histories
-
Explanation of any risk factors identified
-
Discussion of testing options available, including
the risks, benefits, and limitations of each test
-
Aid in decision-making about these tests
-
Provision of any additional education or support
needed, such as referral to a specialist or support
organization.
Where is genetic counseling conducted?
Genetic counseling is usually conducted in person. There
are different places that a genetic counselor may see
you. These locations include the genetic counselor's
office, your physician's office, or a specialty clinic.
In summary...
Genetic counseling is an in-depth discussion between a
genetic counselor and an individual or family about
inherited disease. Genetic information and testing
analysis is personalized through a review of family and
medical history. Any appropriate genetic testing needed
is discussed in detail. Genetic counselors provide
information and support through decision-making,
testing, and result process.
To obtain more information about genetic counselors and
learn how to schedule an appointment in your area, have
your health care provider call 800-345-GENE.
Reference:(1); Baker DL, Schuette Jl, Uhlmann
WR, eds. A Guide to Genetic Counseling. New York, NY:
Wiley, John & Sons; 1998. [ISBN (paperback): 0471188670]
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