Premium
Minding the Genes: a Multidisciplinary Approach towards Genetic Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease
Author(s) -
Rhodes Ashley,
Rosman Lindsey,
Cahill John,
Ingles Jodie,
Murray Brittney,
Tichnell Crystal,
James Cynthia A.,
Sears Samuel F.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1007/s10897-016-0017-z
Subject(s) - genetic counseling , psychosocial , multidisciplinary approach , genetic testing , disease , feeling , medicine , distress , public health , clinical psychology , psychiatry , psychology , pathology , genetics , biology , social psychology , social science , sociology
Genetic assessment for inherited cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly available, due in part to rapid innovations in genetic sequencing technologies. While genetic testing is aimed at reducing uncertainty, it also produces awareness of potential medical conditions and can leave patients feeling uncertain about their risk, especially if there are ambiguous results. This uncertainty can produce psychological distress for patients and their families undergoing the assessment process. Additionally, patients may experience psychological distress related to living with inherited CVD. In order to more effectively manage the psychosocial challenges related to genetic assessment for CVD, a multidisciplinary model expanded to include psychologists and other allied health professionals is outlined. A case study is provided to illustrate how psychological distress can manifest in a patient living with inherited CVD, as well as proposed psychological management of this patient. Finally, a guide for genetic counselors is provided to aid in identifying and managing common psychological reactions to genetic assessment for CVD.