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Perlman P, Vorstman J, Hoang N, Summers J, Baribeau D, Cunningham J, Mulsant BH. Support to caregivers who have received genetic information about neurodevelopmental and psychiatric vulnerability in their young children: A narrative review. Clin Genet 2023. [PMID: 37098443 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of pathogenic genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders (NPDs) is increasingly made early in life. This narrative review focuses on the need for, and provision of, psychological supports following genetic diagnosis. We conducted a literature search of publications on how caregivers are informed about the NPD vulnerability associated with genetic variants, challenges and unmet needs when receiving this information, and whether psychological supports are provided. Given its early recognition, the 22q11.2 deletion has been studied thoroughly for two decades, providing generalizable insights. This literature indicates the complex caregivers' needs related to learning about potential NPD vulnerabilities associated with a genetic variant, include how to communicate the diagnosis, how to identify early signs of NPDs, how to deal with stigma and a lack of medical expertise outside of specialized genetics clinics. With one exception, no publications describe psychotherapeutic support provided to parents. In the absence of support, caregivers struggle with several unmet needs regarding potential longer-term NPD implications of a genetic diagnosis. The field needs to go beyond explaining genetic diagnoses and associated vulnerabilities, and develop approaches to support caregivers with communicating and managing NPD implications across the child's lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Perlman
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jacob Vorstman
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ny Hoang
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Genetic Counselling, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jane Summers
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle Baribeau
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessie Cunningham
- SickKids Hospital Library, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benoit H Mulsant
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addition and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Morris E, Inglis A, Austin J. Psychiatric genetic counseling for people with copy number variants associated with psychiatric conditions. Clin Genet 2022; 102:369-378. [PMID: 35996207 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion is one of the most well-known copy number variants (CNVs) associated with developing a psychiatric condition (e.g. schizophrenia), but there is a growing list of other CNVs which also confer substantial risk for developing psychiatric conditions. With increased use of chromosome microarray and exome sequencing, the frequency with which these CNVs are detected is increasing. While individuals with such CNVs often receive genetic counseling, research shows that associated psychiatric conditions are less often addressed - clinicians tend to focus on the non-psychiatric manifestations of the CNV. This represents an important service gap for people with these CNVs and their families, as research shows that genetic counseling about psychiatric illness can produce meaningful positive outcomes for people, including increases in empowerment, and self-efficacy. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that individuals with psychiatric condition-associated CNVs are being counseled about these manifestations of their condition in a way that can promote best outcomes. In this paper we describe the process of providing genetic counseling in two clinical scenarios in which a psychiatric susceptibility CNV is identified: 1) in an individual who has not been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition and 2) in an individual with an established psychiatric condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Morris
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Angela Inglis
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jehannine Austin
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Cook CB, Slomp C, Austin J. Parents' perspectives, experiences, and need for support when communicating with their children about the psychiatric manifestations of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). J Community Genet 2021; 13:91-101. [PMID: 34783994 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-021-00558-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a theoretical model to explain how parents think about the process of communicating with their affected child about the psychiatric manifestations of 22q11DS. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with 22q11DS, who had all received psychiatric genetic counseling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed concurrently with data collection, using interpretive description. Identified themes were used to inductively develop a model of how parents think about communicating with their child about psychiatric risk in 22q11DS. RESULTS From interviews with 10 parents, we developed a model representing the communication of psychiatric risk in 22q11DS as a process where various dynamic contextual factors (e.g., perception of risk, desire to normalize) act as either motivators or barriers to communication. Parents described challenges with the content, process, and outcome of these conversations. Parents wanted hands on, practical, personalized, and ongoing support from health professionals around communication about these issues. CONCLUSION This model may help equip genetics professionals to support parents to communicate effectively with their children in order to improve health outcomes and family adaptation to 22q11DS. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Our findings may apply not only to 22q11DS, but also to other genetic conditions where psychiatric manifestations occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney B Cook
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Caitlin Slomp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Jehannine Austin
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.
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Carrion P, Semaka A, Batallones R, Slomp C, Morris E, Inglis A, Moretti M, Austin J. Reflections of parents of children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome on the experience of receiving psychiatric genetic counseling: 'Awareness to Act'. J Genet Couns 2021; 31:140-152. [PMID: 34224608 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22qDS) have a 25%-41% risk for a psychotic disorder. Although early intervention for psychiatric conditions leads to the best long-term outcomes, healthcare providers often provide inadequate information about these issues and psychiatric services are underused by this population. We conducted semi-structured interviews with parents of children with 22qDS a month after they received psychiatric genetic counseling (pGC), to evaluate outcomes and perceived value of pGC with respect to parents' needs. Using grounded theory, we generated a theoretical framework of the process of building parental awareness of psychiatric risks associated with 22qDS and protective and management strategies for mental health (MH). Parents described how after their child's diagnosis with 22qDS, a variety of barriers stalled their building awareness of psychiatric risk and protective/management strategies: dealing with the immediate symptoms of 22qDS; child's young age; parental fear and stigma; and missing MH guidance. These barriers led them to carry the burden of worrying over missing emerging psychiatric symptoms and the stress over advocating for their child's MH. Parents indicated pGC was beneficial in that led them to achieve an 'awareness to act,' feeling confident in being alert and equipped to protect and/or manage their child's MH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prescilla Carrion
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alicia Semaka
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rolan Batallones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Caitlin Slomp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emily Morris
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Angela Inglis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marlene Moretti
- Psychology Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Jehannine Austin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Fiksinski AM, Schneider M, Murphy CM, Armando M, Vicari S, Canyelles JM, Gothelf D, Eliez S, Breetvelt EJ, Arango C, Vorstman JAS. Understanding the pediatric psychiatric phenotype of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2018; 176:2182-2191. [PMID: 30194907 PMCID: PMC6209526 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.40387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current insights into the neurodevelopmental and psychiatric manifestations of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) in children and adolescents. The pediatric neuropsychiatric expression of 22q11DS is characterized by high variability, both interindividual and intraindividual (different expressions over the lifespan). Besides varying levels of intellectual disability, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders in young individuals with 22q11DS is significantly higher than in the general population, or in individuals with idiopathic intellectual disability. Possible explanations for this observed phenotypic variability will be discussed, including genetic pleiotropy, gene-environment interactions, the age-dependency of phenotypes, but also the impact of assessment and ascertainment bias as well as the limitations of our current diagnostic classification system. The implications inferred by these observations aforementioned bear direct relevance to both scientists and clinicians. Observations regarding the neuropsychiatric manifestations in individuals with 22q11DS exemplify the need for a dimensional approach to neuropsychiatric assessment, in addition to our current categorical diagnostic classification system. The potential usefulness of 22q11DS as a genetic model to study the early phases of schizophrenia as well as the phenomenon of neuropsychiatric pleiotropy observed in many CNV's will be delineated. From a clinical perspective, the importance of regular neuropsychiatric evaluations with attention to symptoms not always captured in diagnostic categories and of maintaining equilibrium between individual difficulties and competencies and environmental demands will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ania M Fiksinski
- Department of Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dalglish Family 22q Clinic for Adults with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, and Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maude Schneider
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Contextual Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Clodagh M Murphy
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, Adult Autism and ADHD Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Marco Armando
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Doron Gothelf
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elemi J Breetvelt
- Dalglish Family 22q Clinic for Adults with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, and Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Celso Arango
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacob A S Vorstman
- Department of Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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