Attitudes of German psychiatrists, psychologists, gynaecologists, human geneticists and patients towards psychiatric genetic research and testing

F. Illes, C. Rietz, H. Fangerau, O. V Widdern, T. G. Schulze, D. J. Mueller, M. Gross, M. C. Angermeyer, W. Maier, G. Rudinger, M. Rietschel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The soon-coming availability of genetic testing in psychiatric disorders raises new and complex ethical issues. Psychiatrists, psychologists, gynaecologists, and human geneticists will be in the crucial position to transfer knowledge about psychiatric genetics to their mentally ill patients and their families. Significant differences in attitudes between counselors and their patients may cause misunderstandings and problems. Here we assessed similarities and differences of attitudes between future counselors and patients. In a study, which is conducted in the framework of the "German Human Genome Project," 76 psychologists, 116 psychiatrists, 50 gynaecologists, 56 human geneticists and 120 patients were asked about their knowledge, attitudes and fears towards psychiatric genetics. Intra- and intergroup differences were analyzed. Whereas the consultants showed a relative conformity in their attitudes towards psychiatric genetics, they differed significantly from the attitudes of their patients. To avoid problems in future consultations, experts have to learn about the specific hopes, fears and objections of their patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)595
Number of pages1
JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics - Neuropsychiatric Genetics
Volume105
Issue number7
StatePublished - Oct 8 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics(clinical)
  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • General Neuroscience

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