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Besterman AD. A genetics-guided approach to the clinical management of schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:462-469. [PMID: 37813777 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a highly heritable, severe mental illness characterized by hallucinations, delusions, social withdrawal, and cognitive dysfunction present in ∼1% of populations across cultures. There have been recent major advancements in our understanding of the genetic architecture of schizophrenia. Both rare, highly penetrant genetic variants as well as common, low-penetrant genetic variants can predispose individuals to schizophrenia and can impact the way people metabolize psychoactive medications used to treat schizophrenia. However, the impact of these findings on the clinical management of schizophrenia remains limited. This review highlights the few places where genetics currently informs schizophrenia management strategies, discusses major limitations, and reviews promising areas of genetics research that are most likely to impact future schizophrenia care. Specifically, I focuss on psychiatric genetic counseling, genetic testing strategies, pharmacogenetics, polygenic risk, and genetics-guided treatment. Lastly, I emphasize important ethical considerations in the clinical use of genetics for schizophrenia management, including the exacerbation of healthcare inequalities and unintended consequences of new genetic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Besterman
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA; Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Division of Behavioral Health Services, San Diego, CA, USA; Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA.
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2
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Wouters RHP, van der Horst MZ, Aalfs CM, Bralten J, Luykx JJ, Zinkstok JR. The ethics of polygenic scores in psychiatry: minefield or opportunity for patient-centered psychiatry? Psychiatr Genet 2024; 34:31-36. [PMID: 38441147 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in psychiatric genetics have sparked a lively debate on the opportunities and pitfalls of incorporating polygenic scores into clinical practice. Yet, several ethical concerns have been raised, casting doubt on whether further development and implementation of polygenic scores would be compatible with providing ethically responsible care. While these ethical issues warrant thoughtful consideration, it is equally important to recognize the unresolved need for guidance on heritability among patients and their families. Increasing the availability of genetic counseling services in psychiatry should be regarded as a first step toward meeting these needs. As a next step, future integration of novel genetic tools such as polygenic scores into genetic counseling may be a promising way to improve psychiatric counseling practice. By embedding the exploration of polygenic psychiatry into the supporting environment of genetic counseling, some of the previously identified ethical pitfalls may be prevented, and opportunities to bolster patient empowerment can be seized upon. To ensure an ethically responsible approach to psychiatric genetics, active collaboration with patients and their relatives is essential, accompanied by educational efforts to facilitate informed discussions between psychiatrists and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel H P Wouters
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marte Z van der Horst
- GGNet Mental Health, Warnsveld, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Brain Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cora M Aalfs
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Janita Bralten
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J Luykx
- GGNet Mental Health, Warnsveld, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Brain Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke R Zinkstok
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Brain Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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3
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Natri HM, Chapman CR, Heraty S, Dwyer P, Walker N, Kapp SK, Dron HA, Martinez-Agosto JA, Mikkola L, Doherty M. Ethical challenges in autism genomics: Recommendations for researchers. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104810. [PMID: 37478903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Equitable and just genetic research and clinical translation require an examination of the ethical questions pertaining to vulnerable and marginalized communities. Autism research and advocate communities have expressed concerns over current practices of genetics research, urging the field to shift towards paradigms and practices that ensure benefits and avoid harm to research participants and the wider autistic community. Building upon a framework of bioethical principles, we provide the background for the concerns and present recommendations for ethically sustainable and justice-oriented genetic and genomic autism research. With the primary goal of enhancing the health, well-being, and autonomy of autistic persons, we make recommendations to guide priority setting, responsible research conduct, and informed consent practices. Further, we discuss the ethical challenges particularly pertaining to research involving highly vulnerable individuals and groups, such as those with impaired cognitive or communication ability. Finally, we consider the clinical translation of autism genetics studies, including the use of genetic testing. These guidelines, developed by an interdisciplinary working group comprising autistic and non-autistic individuals, will aid in leveraging the potential of genetics research to enhance the quality of life of autistic individuals and are widely applicable across stigmatized traits and vulnerable communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heini M Natri
- Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
| | - Carolyn R Chapman
- Department of Population Health (Division of Medical Ethics), NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Síofra Heraty
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of London, Birkbeck, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Patrick Dwyer
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA; Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Nick Walker
- California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA
| | - Steven K Kapp
- Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2UP, UK
| | - Heather A Dron
- Sterilization and Social Justice Lab, UCLA Institute for Genetics and Society, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | | | - Lea Mikkola
- Turku Bioscience Center, InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | - Mary Doherty
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN1 9PX, UK
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Hotez E, Haley M, Martinez-Agosto JA, Anderson J, Brown H, Choi K, Croen LA, Dwyer P, Fernandes P, Gassner D, Giwa Onaiwu M, Gragnani CM, Graham Holmes L, Kapp S, Kim D, Massolo M, Montgomery B, Natri HM, Rava JA, Rosenau KA, Roth J, Rudolph D, Ryan JG, Shattuck P, Shea L, Williams ZJ, Wilson RB, Kuo A. Updates to the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) Research Agenda. Cureus 2023; 15:e44388. [PMID: 37779815 PMCID: PMC10541233 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autistic individuals, now representing one in 36 individuals in the U.S., experience disproportionate physical health challenges relative to non-autistic individuals. The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) is an interdisciplinary, multi-center Research Network that aims to increase the health, well-being, and quality of life of autistic individuals. The current paper builds on the initial AIR-P Research Agenda (proposed in Year 1) and provides an updated vision for the Network. METHODS Updates to the Research Agenda were made via the administration of a Qualtrics survey, and disseminated widely to all AIR-P entities, including the Research Node Leaders, Steering Committee, Autistic Researcher Review Board, and collaborating academic and non-academic entities. Network members were tasked with evaluating the Year 1 Research Agenda and proposing additional priorities. RESULTS Within each Research Node, all Year 1 priorities were endorsed as continued priorities for research on autism and physical health. Specific topics, including co-occurring conditions and self-determination, advocacy, and decision-making, were particularly endorsed. Opportunities for exploratory studies and intervention research were identified across Research Nodes. Qualitative responses providing feedback on additional research priorities were collected. CONCLUSION The updated AIR-P Research Agenda represents an important step toward enacting large-scale health promotion efforts for autistic individuals across the lifespan. This updated agenda builds on efforts to catalyze autism research in historically underrepresented topic areas while adopting a neurodiversity-oriented approach to health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hotez
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Madeline Haley
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Anderson
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Heather Brown
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, Edmonton, CAN
| | - Kristen Choi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, USA
| | - Patrick Dwyer
- Laboratory of Neurocognitive Development, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Priyanka Fernandes
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Dena Gassner
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Social Work, Adelphi University, New York, USA
| | | | - Candace M Gragnani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Laura Graham Holmes
- Department of Social Work, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Steven Kapp
- Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, GBR
| | - Dana Kim
- Department of Research, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Silver Spring, USA
| | - Maria Massolo
- Department of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, USA
| | - Brianna Montgomery
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Heini M Natri
- Department of Computational Science, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Part of City of Hope Cancer Center, Phoenix, USA
| | - Julianna A Rava
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Kashia A Rosenau
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jeffrey Roth
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Dawn Rudolph
- Department of Technical Assistance & Network Engagement, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Silver Springs, USA
| | - Jackie G Ryan
- Department of Neurodiversity Strategy and Education, University of Alberta, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Edmonton, USA
| | - Paul Shattuck
- Department of Policy Research, Mathematica, Princeton, USA
| | - Lindsay Shea
- Center of Policy and Analytics, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Rujuta B Wilson
- Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Alice Kuo
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
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Farrell M, Dietterich TE, Harner MK, Bruno LM, Filmyer DM, Shaughnessy RA, Lichtenstein ML, Britt AM, Biondi TF, Crowley JJ, Lázaro-Muñoz G, Forsingdal AE, Nielsen J, Didriksen M, Berg JS, Wen J, Szatkiewicz J, Mary Xavier R, Sullivan PF, Josiassen RC. Increased Prevalence of Rare Copy Number Variants in Treatment-Resistant Psychosis. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:881-892. [PMID: 36454006 PMCID: PMC10318882 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains unknown why ~30% of patients with psychotic disorders fail to respond to treatment. Previous genomic investigations of treatment-resistant psychosis have been inconclusive, but some evidence suggests a possible link between rare disease-associated copy number variants (CNVs) and worse clinical outcomes in schizophrenia. Here, we identified schizophrenia-associated CNVs in patients with treatment-resistant psychotic symptoms and then compared the prevalence of these CNVs to previously published schizophrenia cases not selected for treatment resistance. METHODS CNVs were identified using chromosomal microarray (CMA) and whole exome sequencing (WES) in 509 patients with treatment-resistant psychosis (a lack of clinical response to ≥3 adequate antipsychotic medication trials over at least 5 years of psychiatric hospitalization). Prevalence of schizophrenia-associated CNVs in this sample was compared to that in a previously published large schizophrenia cohort study. RESULTS Integrating CMA and WES data, we identified 47 cases (9.2%) with at least one CNV of known or possible neuropsychiatric risk. 4.7% (n = 24) carried a known neurodevelopmental risk CNV. The prevalence of well-replicated schizophrenia-associated CNVs was 4.1%, with duplications of the 16p11.2 and 15q11.2-q13.1 regions, and deletions of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region as the most frequent CNVs. Pairwise loci-based analysis identified duplications of 15q11.2-q13.1 to be independently associated with treatment resistance. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that CNVs may uniquely impact clinical phenotypes beyond increasing risk for schizophrenia and may potentially serve as biological entry points for studying treatment resistance. Further investigation will be necessary to elucidate the spectrum of phenotypic characteristics observed in adult psychiatric patients with disease-associated CNVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martilias Farrell
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Lisa M Bruno
- Translational Neuroscience, LLC, Conshohocken, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Allison M Britt
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tamara F Biondi
- Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James J Crowley
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jacob Nielsen
- Division of Neuroscience, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | | | - Jonathan S Berg
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jia Wen
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jin Szatkiewicz
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rose Mary Xavier
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Patrick F Sullivan
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhou M, Zhang YM, Li T. Knowledge, attitudes and experiences of genetic testing for autism spectrum disorders among caregivers, patients, and health providers: A systematic review. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:247-261. [PMID: 37303934 PMCID: PMC10251355 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i5.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several genetic testing techniques have been recommended as a first-tier diagnostic tool in clinical practice for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the actual usage rate varies dramatically. This is due to various reasons, including knowledge and attitudes of caregivers, patients, and health providers toward genetic testing. Several studies have therefore been conducted worldwide to investigate the knowledge, experiences, and attitudes toward genetic testing among caregivers of children with ASD, adolescent and adult ASD patients, and health providers who provide medical services for them. However, no systematic review has been done.
AIM To systematically review research on knowledge, experiences, and attitudes towards genetic testing among caregivers of children with ASD, adolescent and adult ASD patients, and health providers.
METHODS We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines and searched the literature in three English language databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and PsychInfo) and two Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang). Searched literature was screened independently by two reviewers and discussed when inconsistency existed. Information on characteristics of the study, characteristics of participants, and main findings regarding knowledge, experience, and attitudes of caregivers of children with ASD, adolescent and adult ASD patients, and health providers concerning ASD genetic testing were extracted from included papers into a charting form for analysis.
RESULTS We included 30 studies published between 2012 and 2022 and conducted in 9 countries. Most of the studies (n = 29) investigated caregivers of children with ASD, one study also included adolescent and adult patients, and two covered health providers. Most (51.0%-100%) of the caregivers/patients knew there was a genetic cause for ASD and 17.0% to 78.1% were aware of ASD genetic testing. However, they lacked full understanding of genetic testing. They acquired relevant and necessary information from physicians, the internet, ASD organizations, and other caregivers. Between 9.1% to 72.7% of caregivers in different studies were referred for genetic testing, and between 17.4% to 61.7% actually obtained genetic testing. Most caregivers agreed there are potential benefits following genetic testing, including benefits for children, families, and others. However, two studies compared perceived pre-test and post-test benefits with conflicting findings. Caregivers concerns included high costs, unhelpful results, negative influences (e.g., causing family conflicts, causing stress/risk/pain to children etc.) prevented some caregivers from using genetic testing. Nevertheless, 46.7% to 95.0% caregivers without previous genetic testing experience intended to obtain it in the future, and 50.5% to 59.6% of parents previously obtaining genetic testing would recommend it to other parents. In a single study of child and adolescent psychiatrists, 54.9% of respondents had ordered ASD genetic testing for their patients in the prior 12 mo, which was associated with greater knowledge of genetic testing.
CONCLUSION Most caregivers are willing to learn about and use genetic testing. However, the review showed their current knowledge is limited and usage rates varied widely in different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ya-Min Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
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Genetic testing for psychiatric illness in children: ethical issues. Curr Opin Pediatr 2022; 34:533-537. [PMID: 36036426 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Genetic and genomic technologies are showing great potential in the field of psychiatry. Genetic testing for psychiatric conditions poses a range of ethical challenges, many of which are likely to be exacerbated for paediatric populations. As a large proportion of psychiatric conditions present in late adolescence and early adulthood, testing in childhood may be considered in some circumstances. Synthesis of issues specific to psychiatric genetic testing in paediatric populations has been limited. RECENT FINDINGS Balancing the autonomy of the child and parents requires consideration and judging capacity may be complicated by the presence of psychiatric illness in the child and their family. Health professionals' limited understanding of psychiatric genetics may inhibit delivery of effective psychiatric care. Risk of stigma and discrimination associated with genetic diagnosis and psychiatric illness is compounded for children, who inherently cannot make their own decisions and for whom the impact of a genetic diagnosis is likely to be longest lasting. SUMMARY Although the current evidence base suggests genetic testing may not be appropriate for clinical use in psychiatric populations right now, when it is, appropriate pre-test counselling and informed decision making will be essential to support and protect children's developing and future autonomy.
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Walker VG. Elder's life course theory and person-centered research: A lens for conducting ethical nursing research and mental health nursing practice with older adults aging with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2022; 29:904-914. [PMID: 35020244 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia are a vulnerable population owing to the manifestations of their illness, which can include decreased reality orientation, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions. This paper presents ethical principles of vulnerability, veracity, non-maleficence and autonomy for person-centered care in mental health nursing research and practice, focused with the lens of Elder's life course theory (LCT). AIM To present Elder's LCT as an ethical lens for person-centered care as nurses engage with older adults aging with the diagnosis of schizophrenia in clinical practice and/or research. METHOD Four ethical principles fundamental to nursing research and mental health practice are presented, with Elder's LCT as a theoretical lens for person-centered care. RESULTS A model for ethical research and mental health practice with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. DISCUSSION Nursing research and mental health nursing practice with an ethical LCT lens for person-centered can help nurses envision, explore and generate interventions to address the special needs of older adults aging with schizophrenia. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The use of a LCT lens for person-centered care can encourage nurses in research and mental health practice to seek information collaboratively with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia in a thoughtful, ethical manner, to inform the improvement of their health outcomes and health policy.
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