1
|
Stein DJ, Hartford A. Ethical Considerations in Psychiatric Genomics. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2025; 48:265-279. [PMID: 40348417 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2025.01.005] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2025]
Abstract
The ethics of psychiatric genetics and genomics is an emerging field, distinct from general genetics. Key ethical concerns include the implications for personhood and identity, the dual perception of psychiatric conditions as both afflictions and integral aspects of identity, and the unique vulnerabilities of affected populations regarding informed consent. The multifactorial nature of psychiatric disorders, characterized by complex genetic and environmental interactions, further complicates ethical considerations. This paper explores ethical issues in psychiatric genomic research, clinical applications, and prevention efforts, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach and the importance of context sensitivity, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan J Stein
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, UCT Department of Psychiatry, Groote Schuur Hospital, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Anna Hartford
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, UCT Department of Psychiatry, Groote Schuur Hospital, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Brain-Behaviour Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Unit for Social and Political Ethics, Department of Philosophy, Stellenbosch University
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oladayo AM, Prochaska S, Busch T, Adeyemo WL, Gowans LJ, Eshete M, Awotoye W, Sule V, Alade A, Adeyemo AA, Mossey PA, Prince A, Murray JC, Butali A. Parents and Provider Perspectives on the Return of Genomic Findings for Cleft Families in Africa. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2024; 15:133-146. [PMID: 38236653 PMCID: PMC11153024 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2024.2302993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate knowledge among health care providers (HCPs) and parents of affected children limits the understanding and utility of secondary genetic findings (SFs) in under-represented populations in genomics research. SFs arise from deep DNA sequencing done for research or diagnostic purposes and may burden patients and their families despite their potential health importance. This study aims to evaluate the perspective of both groups regarding SFs and their choices in the return of results from genetic testing in the context of orofacial clefts. METHODS Using an online survey, we evaluated the experiences of 252 HCPs and 197 parents across participating cleft clinics in Ghana and Nigeria toward the return of SFs across several domains. RESULTS Only 1.6% of the HCPs felt they had an expert understanding of when and how to incorporate genomic medicine into practice, while 50.0% agreed that all SFs should be returned to patients. About 95.4% of parents were willing to receive all the information from genetic testing (including SFs), while the majority cited physicians as their primary information source (64%). CONCLUSIONS Overall, parents and providers were aware that genetic testing could help in the clinical management of diseases. However, they cited a lack of knowledge about genomic medicine, uncertain clinical utility, and lack of available learning resources as barriers. The knowledge gained from this study will assist with developing guidelines and policies to guide providers on the return of SFs in sub-Saharan Africa and across the continent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abimbola M Oladayo
- Department Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Institute of Oral Health Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sydney Prochaska
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Tamara Busch
- Iowa Institute of Oral Health Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Wasiu L. Adeyemo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Lagos
| | - Lord J.J. Gowans
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Mekonen Eshete
- Addis Ababa University, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Waheed Awotoye
- Department Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Institute of Oral Health Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Veronica Sule
- Department of Operative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Azeez Alade
- Department Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Institute of Oral Health Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Peter A. Mossey
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | - Azeez Butali
- Department Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Institute of Oral Health Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mezinska S, Gallagher L, Verbrugge M, Bunnik EM. Ethical issues in genomics research on neurodevelopmental disorders: a critical interpretive review. Hum Genomics 2021; 15:16. [PMID: 33712057 PMCID: PMC7953558 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-021-00317-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genomic research on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), particularly involving minors, combines and amplifies existing research ethics issues for biomedical research. We performed a review of the literature on the ethical issues associated with genomic research involving children affected by NDDs as an aid to researchers to better anticipate and address ethical concerns. Results Qualitative thematic analysis of the included articles revealed themes in three main areas: research design and ethics review, inclusion of research participants, and communication of research results. Ethical issues known to be associated with genomic research in general, such as privacy risks and informed consent/assent, seem especially pressing for NDD participants because of their potentially decreased cognitive abilities, increased vulnerability, and stigma associated with mental health problems. Additionally, there are informational risks: learning genetic information about NDD may have psychological and social impact, not only for the research participant but also for family members. However, there are potential benefits associated with research participation, too: by enrolling in research, the participants may access genetic testing and thus increase their chances of receiving a (genetic) diagnosis for their neurodevelopmental symptoms, prognostic or predictive information about disease progression or the risk of concurrent future disorders. Based on the results of our review, we developed an ethics checklist for genomic research involving children affected by NDDs. Conclusions In setting up and designing genomic research efforts in NDD, researchers should partner with communities of persons with NDDs. Particular attention should be paid to preventing disproportional burdens of research participation of children with NDDs and their siblings, parents and other family members. Researchers should carefully tailor the information and informed consent procedures to avoid therapeutic and diagnostic misconception in NDD research. To better anticipate and address ethical issues in specific NDD studies, we suggest researchers to use the ethics checklist for genomic research involving children affected by NDDs presented in this paper. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40246-021-00317-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Mezinska
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Str.3, Riga, LV-1004, Latvia.
| | - L Gallagher
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - M Verbrugge
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2400, Rotterdam, 3000, CA, The Netherlands
| | - E M Bunnik
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2400, Rotterdam, 3000, CA, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beil A, Hornsby W, Uhlmann WR, Aatre R, Arscott P, Wolford B, Eagle KA, Yang B, McNamara J, Willer C, Roberts JS. Disclosure of clinically actionable genetic variants to thoracic aortic dissection biobank participants. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:66. [PMID: 33648514 PMCID: PMC7923508 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-00902-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disclosure of pathogenic variants to thoracic aortic dissection biobank participants was implemented. The impact and costs, including confirmatory genetic testing in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratory, were evaluated. METHODS We exome sequenced 240 cases with thoracic aortic dissection and 258 controls, then examined 11 aortopathy genes. Pathogenic variants in 6 aortopathy genes (COL3A1, FBN1, LOX, PRKG1, SMAD3, and TGFBR2) were identified in 26 participants, representing 10.8% of the cohort (26/240). A second research sample was used to validate the initial findings. Mailed letters to participants disclosed that a potentially disease causing DNA alteration had been identified (neither the gene nor variant was disclosed). Participants were offered clinical genetic counseling and confirmatory genetic testing in a CLIA laboratory. RESULTS Excluding 6 participants who were deceased or lost to follow-up, 20 participants received the disclosure letter, 10 of whom proceeded with genetic counseling, confirmatory genetic testing, and enrolled in a survey study. Participants reported satisfaction with the letter (4.2 ± 0.7) and genetic counseling (4.4 ± 0.4; [out of 5, respectively]). The psychosocial impact was characterized by low decisional regret (11.5 ± 11.6) and distress (16.0 ± 4.2, [out of 100, respectively]). The average cost for 26 participants was $400, including validation and sending letters. The average cost for those who received genetic counseling and CLIA laboratory confirmation was $605. CONCLUSIONS Participants were satisfied with the return of clinically significant biobank genetic results and CLIA laboratory testing; however, the process required significant time and resources. These findings illustrate the trade-offs involved for researchers considering returning research genetic results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelyn Beil
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Metabolism, and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Whitney Hornsby
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, 5804 Medical Science II, 1241 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Wendy R Uhlmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, 5804 Medical Science II, 1241 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA
| | - Rajani Aatre
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, 5804 Medical Science II, 1241 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Patricia Arscott
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, 5804 Medical Science II, 1241 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Brooke Wolford
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kim A Eagle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, 5804 Medical Science II, 1241 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer McNamara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, 5804 Medical Science II, 1241 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA
| | - Cristen Willer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, 5804 Medical Science II, 1241 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5618, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - J Scott Roberts
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA.
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Corsico P. "It's all about delivery": researchers and health professionals' views on the moral challenges of accessing neurobiological information in the context of psychosis. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:11. [PMID: 33557813 PMCID: PMC7869514 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00551-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The convergence of neuroscience, genomics, and data science holds promise to unveil the neurobiology of psychosis and to produce new ways of preventing, diagnosing, and treating psychotic illness. Yet, moral challenges arise in neurobiological research and in the clinical translation of research findings. This article investigates the views of relevant actors in mental health on the moral challenges of accessing neurobiological information in the context of psychosis. Methods Semi-structured individual interviews with two groups: researchers employed in the National Health Service (NHS) or a university in England (n = 14), and mental health professionals employed in NHS mental health services (n = 14). This article compares results in the two groups (total n = 28). Results This article presents findings around three conceptual areas: (1) research ethics as mostly unproblematic, (2) psychosis, neurobiological information, and mental health care, and (3) identity, relationships, and the future. These areas are drawn from the themes and topics that emerged in the interviews across the two groups of participants. Researchers and health professionals provided similar accounts of the moral challenges of accessing—which includes acquisition, communication, and use of—neurobiological information in the context of psychosis. Acquiring neurobiological information was perceived as mostly unproblematic, provided ethical safeguards are put in place. Conversely, participants argued that substantive moral challenges arise from how neurobiological information is delivered—that is, communicated and used—in research and in clinical care. Neurobiological information was seen as a powerful tool in the process through which individuals define their identity and establish personal and clinical goals. The pervasiveness of this narrative tool may influence researchers and health professionals’ perception of ethical principles and moral obligations. Conclusions This study suggests that the moral challenges that arise from accessing neurobiological information in the context of psychosis go beyond traditional research and clinical ethics concerns. Reflecting on how accessing neurobiological information can influence individual self-narratives will be vital to ensure the ethical translation of neuroscience and genomics into mental health. Trial registration The study did not involve a health care intervention on human participants. It was retrospectively registered on 11 July 2018, registration number: researchregistry4255.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Corsico
- Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, Department of Law, School of Social Sciences, The University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lázaro-Muñoz G, Torgerson L, Pereira S. Return of results in a global survey of psychiatric genetics researchers: practices, attitudes, and knowledge. Genet Med 2021; 23:298-305. [PMID: 33033403 PMCID: PMC8374879 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-00986-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patient-participants in psychiatric genetics research may be at an increased risk for negative psychosocial impacts related to the return of genetic research results. Examining psychiatric genetics researchers' return of results practices and perspectives can aid the development of empirically informed and ethically sound guidelines. METHODS A survey of 407 psychiatric genetics researchers from 39 countries was conducted to examine current return of results practices, attitudes, and knowledge. RESULTS Most respondents (61%) reported that their studies generated medically relevant genomic findings. Although 24% have returned results to individual participants, 52% of those involved in decisions about return of results plan to return or continue to return results. Respondents supported offering "medically actionable" results related to psychiatric disorders (82%), and the majority agreed non-medically actionable risks for Huntington (71%) and Alzheimer disease (64%) should be offered. About half (49%) of respondents supported offering reliable polygenic risk scores for psychiatric conditions. Despite plans to return, only 14% of researchers agreed there are adequate guidelines for returning results, and 59% rated their knowledge about how to manage the process for returning results as poor. CONCLUSION Psychiatric genetics researchers support returning a wide range of results to patient-participants, but they lack adequate knowledge and guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Laura Torgerson
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stacey Pereira
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dufva YE, Westman H, Khilbom U, Sullivan PF, Johansson V. Swedish large-scale schizophrenia study: Why do patients and healthy controls participate? Schizophr Res 2021; 228:360-366. [PMID: 33548836 PMCID: PMC8358980 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.01.007] [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] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Insights into determination of study participation are useful for researchers, clinicians and for ethical considerations. Few large-scale genomic studies have involved motives for enrollment, in schizophrenia patients and unaffected controls. In a case-control study with participants recruited nation-wide in Sweden between 2005 and 2010, semi-structured interviews on motives and attitudes towards future studies were explored in 2767 schizophrenia cases and 4466 controls. In qualitative and quantitative analyses, we identified altruism as a major determinant in 84% of the cases and in 97% of the controls. Among pre-defined subcategories of altruism, cases with schizophrenia were more often referring to science for example, 'I want to help science move forward' or 'I want better medications for future generations' in relation to unaffected controls that were more often referring to common humanity such as 'It is my duty and responsibility to help'. In schizophrenia, motives related to personal benefit and social influence were reported by 9% and 5%. We conclude that individuals with schizophrenia frequently report altruistic motives for study participation, almost to the same extent as unaffected controls. In contrast to unfortunate stereotypes, people with schizophrenia wish others to benefit from their experiences with severe mental illness and should not be refrained from participating in genomic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Eriksson Dufva
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Henrietta Westman
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Ulrik Khilbom
- Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics (CRB), Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Patrick F Sullivan
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Departments of Genetics and Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Viktoria Johansson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Martin CL, Wain KE, Oetjens MT, Tolwinski K, Palen E, Hare-Harris A, Habegger L, Maxwell EK, Reid JG, Walsh LK, Myers SM, Ledbetter DH. Identification of Neuropsychiatric Copy Number Variants in a Health Care System Population. JAMA Psychiatry 2020; 77:1276-1285. [PMID: 32697297 PMCID: PMC7376464 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.2159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Population screening for medically relevant genomic variants that cause diseases such as hereditary cancer and cardiovascular disorders is increasing to facilitate early disease detection or prevention. Neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) are common, complex disorders with clear genetic causes; yet, access to genetic diagnosis is limited. We explored whether inclusion of NPD in population-based genomic screening programs is warranted by assessing 3 key factors: prevalence, penetrance, and personal utility. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the suitability of including pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) associated with NPD in population screening by determining their prevalence and penetrance and exploring the personal utility of disclosing results. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cohort study, the frequency of 31 NPD CNVs was determined in patient-participants via exome data. Associated clinical phenotypes were assessed using linked electronic health records. Nine CNVs were selected for disclosure by licensed genetic counselors, and participants' psychosocial reactions were evaluated using a mixed-methods approach. A primarily adult population receiving medical care at Geisinger, a large integrated health care system in the United States with the only population-based genomic screening program approved for medically relevant results disclosure, was included. The cohort was identified from the Geisinger MyCode Community Health Initiative. Exome and linked electronic health record data were available for this cohort, which was recruited from February 2007 to April 2017. Data were collected for the qualitative analysis April 2017 through February 2018. Analysis began February 2018 and ended December 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The planned outcomes of this study include (1) prevalence estimate of NPD-associated CNVs in an unselected health care system population; (2) penetrance estimate of NPD diagnoses in CNV-positive individuals; and (3) qualitative themes that describe participants' responses to receiving NPD-associated genomic results. RESULTS Of 90 595 participants with CNV data, a pathogenic CNV was identified in 708 (0.8%; 436 women [61.6%]; mean [SD] age, 50.04 [18.74] years). Seventy percent (n = 494) had at least 1 associated clinical symptom. Of these, 28.8% (204) of CNV-positive individuals had an NPD code in their electronic health record, compared with 13.3% (11 835 of 89 887) of CNV-negative individuals (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.86-2.61; P < .001); 66.4% (470) of CNV-positive individuals had a history of depression and anxiety compared with 54.6% (49 118 of 89 887) of CNV-negative individuals (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.31-1.80; P < .001). 16p13.11 (71 [0.078%]) and 22q11.2 (108 [0.119%]) were the most prevalent deletions and duplications, respectively. Only 5.8% of individuals (41 of 708) had a previously known genetic diagnosis. Results disclosure was completed for 141 individuals. Positive participant responses included poignant reactions to learning a medical reason for lifelong cognitive and psychiatric disabilities. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study informs critical factors central to the development of population-based genomic screening programs and supports the inclusion of NPD in future designs to promote equitable access to clinically useful genomic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christa Lese Martin
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Karen E. Wain
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew T. Oetjens
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Kasia Tolwinski
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania,Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emily Palen
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott M. Myers
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - David H. Ledbetter
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Finucane BM, Myers SM, Martin CL, Ledbetter DH. Long overdue: including adults with brain disorders in precision health initiatives. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 65:47-52. [PMID: 32544666 PMCID: PMC7736248 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Developmental brain disorders (DBD), including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia, are clinically defined and etiologically heterogeneous conditions with a wide range of outcomes. Rare pathogenic copy number and single nucleotide genomic variants are among the most common known etiologies, with diagnostic yields approaching for some DBD cohorts. Incorporating genetic testing into the care of adult patients with DBD, paired with targeted genetic counseling and family cascade testing, may increase self-advocacy and decrease stigma. In the long-term, breakthroughs in the understanding of DBD pathophysiology will hinge on the identification, engagement, and study of individuals with rare genetic DBD etiologies, consistent with successful precision medicine approaches to the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda M Finucane
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, United States.
| | - Scott M Myers
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, United States
| | - Christa L Martin
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Most psychiatric disorders of pediatric and adult onset are caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental risk factors. Risk assessment in genetic counseling is correspondingly complicated. Outside of neurodevelopmental conditions, genetic and genomic testing has not achieved clinical utility. Genetic counselors most often base risk assessment on the client's medical and family history and empiric recurrence risk data. In rare cases significant familial risk may arise from variants of large effect. New approaches such as polygenic risk scores have the potential to inform diagnosis and management of affected individuals and risk status for at-risk individuals. Research on the genetic and environmental factors that increase risk for schizophrenia and etiologically related disorders are reviewed, guidance in determining and communicating risks to families is delivered, and new opportunities and challenges that will come with translating new research findings to psychiatric risk assessment and genetic counseling are anticipated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Landrum Peay
- Center for Newborn Screening, Ethics, and Disability Studies, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27703, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Perceptions of best practices for return of results in an international survey of psychiatric genetics researchers. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 29:231-240. [PMID: 33011736 PMCID: PMC7532738 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many research sponsors and genetic researchers agree that some medically relevant genetic findings should be offered to participants. The scarcity of research specific to returning genetic results related to psychiatric disorders hinders the ability to develop ethically justified and empirically informed guidelines for responsible return of results for these conditions. We surveyed 407 psychiatric genetics researchers from 39 countries to examine their perceptions of challenges to returning individual results and views about best practices for the process of offering and returning results. Most researchers believed that disclosure of results should be delayed if a patient-participant is experiencing significant psychiatric symptoms. Respondents felt that there is little research on the impact of returning results to participants with psychiatric disorders and agreed that return of psychiatric genetics results to patient-participants may lead to discrimination by insurance companies or other third parties. Almost half of researchers believed results should be returned through a participant's treating psychiatrist, but many felt that clinicians lack knowledge about how to manage genetic research results. Most researchers thought results should be disclosed by genetic counselors or medical geneticists and in person; however, almost half also supported disclosure via telemedicine. This is the first global survey to examine the perspectives of researchers with experience working with this patient population and with these conditions. Their perspectives can help inform the development of much-needed guidelines to promote responsible return of results related to psychiatric conditions to patients with psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
12
|
Corsico P. Psychosis, vulnerability, and the moral significance of biomedical innovation in psychiatry. Why ethicists should join efforts. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2020; 23:269-279. [PMID: 31773383 PMCID: PMC7260249 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-019-09932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The study of the neuroscience and genomics of mental illness are increasingly intertwined. This is mostly due to the translation of medical technologies into psychiatry and to technological convergence. This article focuses on psychosis. I argue that the convergence of neuroscience and genomics in the context of psychosis is morally problematic, and that ethics scholarship should go beyond the identification of a number of ethical, legal, and social issues. My argument is composed of two strands. First, I argue that we should respond to technological convergence by developing an integrated, patient-centred approach focused on the assessment of individual vulnerabilities. Responding to technological convergence requires that we (i) integrate insights from several areas of ethics, (ii) translate bioethical principles into the mental health context, and (iii) proactively try to anticipate future ethical concerns. Second, I argue that a nuanced understanding of the concept of vulnerability might help us to accomplish this task. I borrow Florencia Luna's notion of 'layers of vulnerability' to show how potential harms or wrongs to individuals who experience psychosis can be conceptualised as stemming from different sources, or layers, of vulnerability. I argue that a layered notion of vulnerability might serve as a common ground to achieve the ethical integration needed to ensure that biomedical innovation can truly benefit, and not harm, individuals who suffer from psychosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Corsico
- Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, Department of Law, School of Social Sciences, The University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ward ET, Kostick KM, Lázaro-Muñoz G. Integrating Genomics into Psychiatric Practice: Ethical and Legal Challenges for Clinicians. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2020; 27:53-64. [PMID: 30614887 PMCID: PMC6326091 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric genomics is a rapidly growing field that holds much promise for improving risk prediction, prevention, diagnosis, treatment selection, and understanding of the pathogenesis of patients' symptoms. The field of psychiatry (i.e., professional organizations, mental health clinicians, educational institutions), however, needs to address numerous challenges to promote the responsible translation of genomic technologies and knowledge into psychiatric practice. The goal of this article is to review how clinicians currently encounter and use genomics in the clinic, to summarize the existing literature on how clinicians feel about the use of genomics in psychiatry, and to analyze foreseeable ethical and legal challenges for the responsible integration of genomics into psychiatric care at the structural and clinic levels. Structural challenges are defined as aspects of the larger system of psychiatric practice that constitute potential barriers to the responsible integration of genomics for the purposes of psychiatric care and prevention. These structural challenges exist at a level where professional groups can intervene to set standards and regulate the practice of psychiatry and genomics. Clinic-level challenges are day-to-day issues clinicians face when managing genomic tests in the clinic. We discuss the need for action to mitigate these challenges and maximize the clinical and social utility of psychiatric genomics, including the following: expanding genomics training among mental health clinicians; establishing practice guidelines that consider potential clinical, psychological, and social implications of psychiatric genomics; promoting an integrated care model for managing genomics in psychiatry; emphasizing patient engagement and informed consent when managing genomic testing in psychiatric care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Ward
- From the University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Dr. Ward); Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine (Drs. Kostick and Lázaro-Muñoz)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Advances in personal genomics have made predictive genetic testing increasingly popular. The purpose of this review is to examine and summarize recent literature regarding the ethical concerns and considerations surrounding genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease. RECENT FINDINGS Four basic bioethical principles can be applied in the context of genetic testing: autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence and justice. The concepts of clinical validity, clinical utility and personal utility are also necessary for the ethical deliberation of genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease. Ethical considerations can differ among three distinct settings present in the literature: research, clinical and direct-to-consumer services. Studies have found that the negative psychosocial impact of genetic test results on the individual is limited, but emphasize the importance of pre/posttesting genetic counselling. SUMMARY The literature should ideally inform policy-making around genetic testing. There exists an urgent need for regulation, particularly in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) market, since interest for testing in this context is rapidly growing. Standardized protocols for disclosure should be developed, and there is a need to find ways to meet the growing need for genetic counselling. Importantly, comprehensive, evidence-based regulation requires that research be conducted in different contexts with more diverse participants.
Collapse
|
15
|
Lenk C, Duttge G, Flatau L, Frommeld D, Poser W, Reitt M, Schulze T, Weber A, Zoll B. A look into the future? Patients' and health care staff's perception and evaluation of genetic information and the right not to know. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:576-588. [PMID: 31287218 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The progress of medical genetics leads to a significant increase in genetic knowledge and a vast expansion of genetic diagnostics. However, it is still unknown how these changes will be integrated into medical practice and how they will change patients' and healthy persons' perception and evaluation of genetic diagnoses and genetic knowledge. Therefore, we carried out a comprehensive questionnaire survey with more than 500 patients, clients seeking genetic counseling, health care staff, and healthy persons (N = 523). The questionnaire survey covered detailed questions on the value of genetic diagnoses for the different groups of study participants, the right to know or not to know genetic diagnoses, possible differences between genetic and other medical diagnoses, and the practical use and implications of genetic knowledge with a special focus on hereditary neuropsychiatric diseases. A huge majority of the participants (90.7%) stated to have a right to learn every aspect of her or his genetic make-up. Similarly, study participants showed high interest (81.8%) in incidental health care findings-independent of whether the diseases are treatable or not. One can derive from the data outcome that study participants did not follow the implications of a "genetic exceptionalism" and often considered genetic findings as equivalent in relation to other medical diagnoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lenk
- Institute for the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gunnar Duttge
- Center for Medical Law, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Laura Flatau
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics, Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Debora Frommeld
- Institute for Social Research and Technology Assessment, Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Poser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Reitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schulze
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics, Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Alexandra Weber
- Center for Medical Law, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Barbara Zoll
- Institute of Human Genetics, Göttingen University, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kong C, Singh I. The ethics of global psychiatric genomics: Multilayered challenges to integrating genomics in global mental health and disability-A position paper of the Oxford Global Initiative in Neuropsychiatric GenEthics (NeuroGenE). Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:533-542. [PMID: 30523674 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric genomics has the potential to radically improve the prevention and early intervention of serious mental and neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide. However, little work has been done on the ethics of psychiatric genomics-an oversight that could result in poor local uptake, reduced practical/clinical application, and ethical violations in this rapidly developing area of scientific research. As part of the Global Project of the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, the Global Initiative in Neuropsychiatric GenEthics (NeuroGenE) based at the University of Oxford aims to embed ethical inquiry within scientific investigation and engage with fundamental ethical questions around a psychiatric genomics approach to mental and neurodevelopmental disorder. This position paper sets out the core aims of the NeuroGenE research programme and explores the importance of a crosscutting research orientation in this field based on multidisciplinary methodologies which can ensure that efforts to translate and apply global psychiatric genomics in public policy and clinical practice are ethically grounded strategies, respectful of different cultures and contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camillia Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ilina Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Oxford Uehiro Centre, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kostick K, Brannan C, Pereira S, Lázaro-Muñoz G. Psychiatric genetics researchers' views on offering return of results to individual participants. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:589-600. [PMID: 30358063 PMCID: PMC6483893 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the middle of growing consensus that genomics researchers should offer to return clinically valid, medically relevant, and medically actionable findings identified in the course of research, psychiatric genetics researchers face new challenges. As they uncover the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders through genome-wide association studies and integrate whole genome and whole exome sequencing to their research, there is a pressing need for examining these researchers' views regarding the return of results (RoR) and the unique challenges for offering RoR from psychiatric genetics research. Based on qualitative interviews with 39 psychiatric genetics researchers from different countries operating at the forefront of their field, we provide an insider's view of researchers' practices regarding RoR and the most contentious issues in psychiatry researchers' decision-making around RoR, including what are the strongest ethical, scientific, and practical arguments for and against offering RoR from this research. Notably, findings suggest that psychiatric genetics researchers (85%) overwhelmingly favor offering RoR of at least some findings, but only 22% of researchers are returning results. Researchers identified a number of scientific and practical concerns about RoR, and about how to return results in a responsible way to patients diagnosed with a severe psychiatric disorder. Furthermore, findings help highlight areas for further discussion and resolution of conflicts in the practice of RoR in psychiatric genetics research. As the pace of discovery in psychiatric genetics continues to surge, resolution of these uncertainties gains greater urgency to avoid ethical pitfalls and to maximize the positive impact of RoR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Kostick
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cody Brannan
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stacey Pereira
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Strohmaier J, Witt SH, Frank J, Lemme N, Flatau L, Streit F, Foo JC, Reitt M, Rujescu D, Schulze TG, Lanzerath D, Illes F, Degenhardt F, Rietschel M. Attitudes toward the right to autonomous decision-making in psychiatric genetic testing: Controversial and context-dependent. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:555-565. [PMID: 30912305 PMCID: PMC6899643 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in psychiatric genetics have identified genetic risk factors of yet unknown clinical value. A main ethical principal in the context of psychiatric research as well as future clinical genetic testing is the respect for a person's autonomy to decide whether to undergo genetic testing, and whom to grant access to genetic data. However, experience within the psychiatric genetic research setting has indicated controversies surrounding attitudes toward this ethical principal. This study aimed to explore attitudes concerning the right of individuals to self-determine testing and disclosure of results, and to determine whether these attitudes are context-dependent, that is, not directly related to the test result but rather to specific circumstances. N = 160 individuals with major depression or bipolar disorder and n = 29 relatives of individuals with either illness completed an online-questionnaire assessing attitudes toward genetic testing, genetic research, disclosure of results, incidental findings, and access to psychiatric genetic test results. Generally, the right of the person's autonomy was considered very important, but attitudes varied. For example, half of those who considered that children should have the right to refuse psychiatric genetic testing even against their parents' will, also state that they should be tested upon their parents' wishes. Also, the majority of respondents considered the physician entitled to disregard their stated wishes concerning the disclosure of incidental findings in case of good treatment options. Thus, researchers and clinicians must be aware that attitudes toward psychiatric genetic testing are often mutable and should discuss these prior to testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Strohmaier
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Stephanie H. Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Josef Frank
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Noemi Lemme
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Laura Flatau
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and GenomicsLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversityMunichGermany
| | - Fabian Streit
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Jerome C. Foo
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Markus Reitt
- Section of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyUniversity Medical Center, Georg‐August‐UniversityGöttingenGermany
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of PsychiatryPsychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Martin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany,Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Munich (LMU)MunichGermany
| | - Thomas G. Schulze
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and GenomicsLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversityMunichGermany,Section of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyUniversity Medical Center, Georg‐August‐UniversityGöttingenGermany
| | - Dirk Lanzerath
- German Reference Centre for Ethics in the Life Sciences (DRZE)BonnGermany
| | - Franciska Illes
- Department of PsychiatryRuhr University Bochum, LWL‐University HospitalBochumGermany
| | - Franziska Degenhardt
- Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity of BonnBonnGermany,Department of GenomicsLife & Brain Center, University of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lázaro-Muñoz G, Sabatello M, Huckins L, Peay H, Degenhardt F, Meiser B, Lencz T, Soda T, Docherty A, Crepaz-Keay D, Austin J, Peterson RE, Davis LK. International Society of Psychiatric Genetics Ethics Committee: Issues facing us. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:543-554. [PMID: 31124312 PMCID: PMC6861601 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric genetics research is improving our understanding of the biological underpinnings of neurodiversity and mental illness. Using psychiatric genetics in ways that maximize benefits and minimize harms to individuals and society depends largely on how the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of psychiatric genetics are managed. The International Society of Psychiatric Genetics (ISPG) is the largest international organization dedicated to psychiatric genetics. Given its history, membership, and international reach, we believe the ISPG is well-equipped to contribute to the resolution of these ELSI challenges. As such, we recently created the ISPG Ethics Committee, an interdisciplinary group comprised of psychiatric genetics researchers, clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, mental health professionals, patients, patient advocates, bioethicists, and lawyers. This article highlights key ELSI challenges identified by the ISPG Ethics Committee to be of paramount importance for the ethical translation of psychiatric research into society in three contexts: research settings, clinical settings, and legal proceedings. For each of these arenas, we identify and discuss pressing psychiatric genetics ELSI dilemmas that merit attention and require action. The goal is to increase awareness about psychiatric genetics ELSI issues and encourage dialogue and action among stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Huckins
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA 10029
| | - Holly Peay
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA 27709
| | | | - Bettina Meiser
- University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Todd Lencz
- Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA 11549
| | - Takahiro Soda
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kostick K, Pereira S, Brannan C, Torgerson L, Lázaro-Muñoz G. Psychiatric genomics researchers' perspectives on best practices for returning results to individual participants. Genet Med 2019; 22:345-352. [PMID: 31477844 PMCID: PMC7000323 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-019-0642-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Large-scale array-based and sequencing studies have advanced our understanding of the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders, but also increased the potential to generate an exponentially larger amount of clinically relevant findings. As genomic testing becomes more widespread in psychiatry research, urgency grows to establish best practices for offering return of results (RoR) to individuals at risk or diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Methods We interviewed an international sample (n = 39) of psychiatric genetics researchers to examine conceptualizations of “best practices” for RoR to individual research participants. Results While the vast majority of researchers do not offer RoR, most believed medically actionable findings (85%) and clinically valid but non–medically actionable findings (54%) should be offered. Researchers identified three main areas for improvement: interfacing with individual participants; interdisciplinary training, guidance, and integration; and quality planning and resource allocation for returning results. Conclusion There are significant gaps between researchers’ visions for “best” versus “actual” RoR practices. While researchers call for participant-centered practices, including consent practices that consider any special needs of participants with psychiatric disorders, return of individually meaningful results, and effective follow-up and provisions for treatment, the current reality is that consent and RoR practices lack standardized and evidence-based norms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Kostick
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stacey Pereira
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cody Brannan
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Torgerson
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz
- Center for Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lázaro-Muñoz G, Zuk P, Pereira S, Kostick K, Torgerson L, Sierra-Mercado D, Majumder M, Blumenthal-Barby J, Storch EA, Goodman WK, McGuire AL. Neuroethics at 15: Keep the Kant but Add More Bacon. AJOB Neurosci 2019; 10:97-100. [PMID: 31329079 PMCID: PMC6666411 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2019.1632960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Zuk
- b Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hurlimann T, Jaitovich Groisman I, Godard B. Exploring neurologists' perspectives on the return of next generation sequencing results to their patients: a needed step in the development of guidelines. BMC Med Ethics 2018; 19:81. [PMID: 30268121 PMCID: PMC6162934 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-018-0320-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of Next Generation Sequencing such as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is a promising step towards a better understanding and treatment of neurological diseases. WGS can result into unexpected information (incidental findings, IFs), and information with uncertain clinical significance. In the context of a Genome Canada project on ‘Personalized Medicine in the Treatment of Epilepsy’, we intended to address these challenges surveying neurologists’ opinions about the type of results that should be returned, and their professional responsibility toward recontacting patients regarding new discovered mutations. Methods Potential participants were contacted through professional organizations or direct invitations. Results A total of 204 neurologists were recruited. Fifty nine percent indicated that to be conveyed, WGS results should have a demonstrated clinical utility for diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. Yet, 41% deemed appropriate to return results without clinical utility, when they could impact patients’ reproductive decisions, or on patients’ request. Current use of targeted genetic testing and age of patients influenced respondents’ answers. Respondents stated that analysis of genomics data resulting from WGS should be limited to the genes likely to be relevant for the patient’s specific medical condition (69%), so as to limit IFs. Respondents felt responsible to recontact patients and inform them about newly discovered mutations related to the medical condition that triggered the test (75%) for as long as they are following up on the patient (55%). Finally, 53.5% of the respondents felt responsible to recontact and inform patients of clinically significant, newly discovered IFs. Conclusion Our results show the importance of formulating professional guidelines sensitive to the various – and sometimes opposite – viewpoints that may prevail within a same community of practice, as well as flexible so as to be attuned to the characteristics of the neurological conditions that triggered a WGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Hurlimann
- Institut de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Quebec Population Health Research Network, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Iris Jaitovich Groisman
- Institut de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Béatrice Godard
- Institut de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada. .,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada. .,Quebec Population Health Research Network, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|