Genetic counselling in patients with bipolar disorder–ethical challenges

Abstract

Background

Genetic counselling in psychiatric patients is almost always a challenge on multiple levels of communication, because the mental health specialist is situated between the need to validate the freedom of procreation, and the duty to inform patients about the risk of transmitting their disease to off-springs. Bipolar disorder (BPD) is reputed to be one of the most heritable psychiatric disorder, a factor that complicate even more the ethical situation.

Objectives

To assess how psychiatrists and psychologists conducted genetic counseling for patients with BPD and the challenges that mental health professionals consider important when they need to make this type of counseling.

Methods

Standardized interviewing of 15 psychiatrists and psychologists who experienced during their clinical practice aspects of genetic counseling in patients with BPD.

Results

The most commonly reported problems related to the genetic counseling in bipolar patients were: lack of reliable data on family history (53.3%), amplification of patient stigmatization (46.6%), controversies in the literature on the assessment of the disease risk (40%), difficulties in maintaining a nondirective attitude (33.3%), lack of genetic counseling follow-up (33.3%), disproportionate interest from the partner without mental disorder, when compared to patients, in terms of aspects of genetic counseling (26.6%), alteration of the therapeutic relationship and patients interest in treatment (26.6%).

Conclusions

Genetic counseling is a challenge for mental health professionals, who must cope with the lack of reliable data on the pathogenesis of BPD, negative reactions from the patients’ partners, patient disinterest or hostility and possible negative effects on the therapeutic relationship.

Disclosure of interest

The presenting author was speaker for Astra Zeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, CSC Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, Janssen Cilag, Lundbeck, Organon, Pfizer, Servier, Sanofi Aventis and participated in clinical research funded by Janssen Cilag, Astra Zeneca, Eli Lilly, Sanofi Aventis, Schering Plough, Organon, Bioline Rx, Forenap, Wyeth, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Dainippon Sumitomo, Servier.