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Keller A, Bosk EA, Mendez A, Greenfield B, Flynn C, Everett DelJones G, Julien F, Michael M. Exploring perceptions of genetic risk and the transmission of substance use disorders. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:57. [PMID: 39095898 PMCID: PMC11295387 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00470-w] [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] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorders (SUDs) have been consistently shown to exhibit moderate intergenerational continuity (1-3). While much research has examined genetic and social influences on addiction, less attention has been paid to clients' and lay persons' perceptions of genetic influences on the heritability of SUD (4) and implications for treatment. METHODS For this qualitative study, twenty-six structured Working Model of the Child Interviews (WMCI) were conducted with mothers receiving inpatient SUD treatment. These interviews were thematically analyzed for themes related to maternal perceptions around intergenerational transmission of substance use behaviours. RESULTS Findings show that over half of the mothers in this sample were preoccupied with their children's risk factors for addictions. Among this group, 29% spontaneously expressed concerns about their children's genetic risk for addiction, 54% shared worries about their children's propensity for addiction without mentioning the word gene or genetic. Additionally, 37% had challenges in even discussing their children's future when prompted. These concerns mapped onto internal working models of attachment in unexpected ways, with parents who were coded with balanced working models being more likely to discuss intergenerational risk factors and parents with disengaged working models displaying difficulties in discussing their child's future. CONCLUSION This research suggests that the dominant discourse around the brain-disease model of addictions, in its effort to reduce stigma and self-blame, may have unintended downstream consequences for parents' mental models about their children's risks for future addiction. Parents receiving SUD treatment, and the staff who deliver it, may benefit from psychoeducation about the intergenerational transmission of SUD as part of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Keller
- McGill University School of Social Work, 550 Sherbrooke Ouest Suite 100, Tour Est Montreal, Montreal, H3A 1B9, QC, Canada.
| | - Emily A Bosk
- Rutgers University, 390 George St., Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Alicia Mendez
- School of Social Work, Boston University, 264 Bay State Rd, 02215, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brett Greenfield
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, 390 George St, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Carolynn Flynn
- The Center for Great Expectations, Somerset, NJ, 08873, USA
| | | | - Fabrys Julien
- McGill University School of Social Work, 550 Sherbrooke Ouest Suite 100, Tour Est Montreal, Montreal, H3A 1B9, QC, Canada
| | - MacKenzie Michael
- Research Chair in Child Well-Being, McGill University School of Social Work, 550 Sherbrooke Ouest Suite 100, Tour Est Montreal, Montreal, H3A 1B9, QC, Canada
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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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Cardiff K, Ecker LA, Austin J. Psychiatrists' perceptions of and reactions to a simulated psychiatric genetic counseling session. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:288-300. [PMID: 37822058 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric genetic counseling (pGC) has been demonstrated to have meaningful positive outcomes for people with psychiatric conditions and their families. However, it is not widely accessed, and clinical genetics services tend to receive few referrals for these indications. Little research has evaluated psychiatrists' perceptions of and experience with interfacing with pGC. Therefore, we invited Ontario-based psychiatrists to participate in a study in which they first watched a simulated pGC session (representative of typical practice: the patient had depression with no exceptionally dense family history of psychiatric conditions, no genetic testing is provided, and no family-based risk assessment is performed), then completed zoom-based qualitative semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and checked for accuracy. Using interpretive description to analyze interviews with 12 psychiatrists (data collection was stopped at this point, as theoretical sufficiency was achieved), we generated two theoretical models: the first described the decision-making pathway psychiatrists currently follow when determining whether and how to address genetics with a patient; the second described psychiatrists' ideas for integrating pGC into care models for the future. Our data shed light on how to facilitate the delivery of pGC for people with psychiatric conditions and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Cardiff
- Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York, USA
| | - Lindsey Alico Ecker
- Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York, USA
| | - Jehannine Austin
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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4
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Neale ZE, Kuo SIC, Dick DM. A systematic review of gene-by-intervention studies of alcohol and other substance use. Dev Psychopathol 2021; 33:1410-1427. [PMID: 32602428 PMCID: PMC7772257 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol and other substance use problems are common, and the efficacy of current prevention and intervention programs is limited. Genetics may contribute to differential effectiveness of psychosocial prevention and intervention programs. This paper reviews gene-by-intervention (G×I) studies of alcohol and other substance use, and implications for integrating genetics into prevention science. Systematic review yielded 17 studies for inclusion. Most studies focused on youth substance prevention, alcohol was the most common outcome, and measures of genotype were heterogeneous. All studies reported at least one significant G×I interaction. We discuss these findings in the context of the history and current state of genetics, and provide recommendations for future G×I research. These include the integration of genome-wide polygenic scores into prevention studies, broad outcome measurement, recruitment of underrepresented populations, testing mediators of G×I effects, and addressing ethical implications. Integrating genetic research into prevention science, and training researchers to work fluidly across these fields, will enhance our ability to determine the best intervention for each individual across development. With growing public interest in obtaining personalized genetic information, we anticipate that the integration of genetics and prevention science will become increasingly important as we move into the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe E. Neale
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | - Danielle M. Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
- College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University
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5
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Padula CB, Hansen A, Hughes RL, McNerney MW. Dimensions of Craving Interact with COMT Genotype to Predict Relapse in Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder Six Months after Treatment. Brain Sci 2021; 11:62. [PMID: 33419001 PMCID: PMC7825287 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with poor medical, psychological, and psychosocial outcomes and approximately 60% of individuals with AUD relapse six months after treatment. Craving is a core aspect of AUD and associated with high risk of relapse. One promising avenue to improve outcomes may be in understanding the relationship between COMT genotype, craving, and treatment outcomes. (2) Methods: To this end, we assessed craving, recent drinking history, and impulsivity in 70 individuals with AUD undergoing a standard course of treatment at a regional Veteran Affairs (VA) medical center. Saliva samples were collected to determine COMT genotype. In this prospective observational study, participants were followed for six months to determine who went on to relapse after treatment. (3) Results: Results revealed a significant interaction between craving and catechol-O-methyltransferse (COMT) genotype in predicting relapse. Post hoc exploratory analyses indicated that Met/Met homozygotes reported the highest levels of craving, and craving was associated with recent drinking history. Among Val/Val homozygotes, who had higher rates of relapse, craving was associated with impulsivity. (4) Conclusions: These associations highlight that specific profiles of psychological and biological factors may be important in understanding which individuals are at highest risk of relapse following treatment. Future studies that build on these findings are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia B. Padula
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (R.L.H.); (M.W.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Annika Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Rachel L. Hughes
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (R.L.H.); (M.W.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - M. Windy McNerney
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (R.L.H.); (M.W.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
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Ghogare A, Patil P, Vankar G. A systematic review of childhood psychological traumas and alexithymia among persons with alcohol dependence syndrome. ANNALS OF INDIAN PSYCHIATRY 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/aip.aip_54_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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7
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Michael JE, Bulik CM, Hart SJ, Doyle L, Austin J. Perceptions of genetic risk, testing, and counseling among individuals with eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord 2020; 53:1496-1505. [PMID: 32666600 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders develop as a result of genetic and environmental factors. Given that they are multifactorial conditions with a genetic component, they fall within the scope of practice for genetic counseling, but people with these conditions are rarely referred. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of causes of eating disorders, recurrence risk, and interest in genetic counseling and testing among individuals with eating disorders. METHOD An online survey comprising both multiple choice and free form text questions, vignettes about genetic counseling, and the ED100K (validated eating disorder diagnostic questionnaire) was shared via support organizations and prominent bloggers in the eating disorders community to recruit individuals with a personal history of an eating disorder from November 2018 to February 2019. RESULTS In total, 107 participants completed the survey. They perceived that both experiences and genetics were important factors in the development of their eating disorder. All responding participants overestimated the risk for recurrence of eating disorders in children, often by a large margin, and a notable minority reported that their experience with an eating disorder had a negative influence on their childbearing decisions. After imagined experience of genetic counseling, participants reported significantly decreased feelings of stigma, shame, and guilt. Most participants expressed interest in genetic counseling; fewer were interested in genetic testing. DISCUSSION Genetic counseling may benefit individuals with eating disorders by providing accurate recurrence risk information and reducing feelings of guilt, stigma, and shame, which may in turn encourage earlier support seeking and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne E Michael
- Genetic Counseling Program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Cynthia M Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarah J Hart
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Doyle
- Genetic Counseling Program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jehannine Austin
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Meiser B, Guo XY, Putt S, Fullerton JM, Schofield PR, Mitchell PB, Yanes T. Psychosocial implications of living with familial risk of a psychiatric disorder and attitudes to psychiatric genetic testing: A systematic review of the literature. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2020; 183:277-288. [PMID: 32369270 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing evidence documenting the psychosocial implications of living with a familial risk of an adult-onset psychiatric disorder. Six databases were searched systematically to identify qualitative and quantitative studies, which explored perspectives of those at increased risk for psychiatric disorders, as well as the general public. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes. Thirty-five articles met the eligibility criteria and reported on the views of 4,896 participants. The literature demonstrates strong interest in psychiatric genetic testing of adults as well as children, whereas attitudes toward prenatal testing were much less positive. Predictors of interest in testing, as well as perceived advantages and disadvantages were identified. Very few studies are available on anticipated and actual reactions to receiving results. Studies show that the majority of participants feel that having a genetic explanation would alleviate some of the stigma associated with mental illness. This review shows that interest in, and predictors of attitudes toward, psychiatric genetic testing are well researched, but the extent to which attitudes will translate into actual testing uptake is unknown. Future research also needs to assess the actual behavioral and psychological impact of genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Meiser
- Psychosocial Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Xin Y Guo
- Psychosocial Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sophie Putt
- Psychosocial Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janice M Fullerton
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter R Schofield
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip B Mitchell
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Black Dog Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tatiane Yanes
- Psychosocial Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Austin JC. Evidence-Based Genetic Counseling for Psychiatric Disorders: A Road Map. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036608. [PMID: 31501264 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, are common conditions that arise as a result of complex and heterogeneous combinations of genetic and environmental factors. In contrast to childhood neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and intellectual disability, there are no clinical practice guidelines for applying genetic testing in the context of these conditions. But genetic counseling and genetic testing are not synonymous, and people who live with psychiatric disorders and their family members are often interested in what psychiatric genetic counseling can offer. Further, research shows that it can improve outcomes like empowerment for this population. Despite this, psychiatric genetic counseling is not yet routinely or widely offered. This review describes the state of the evidence about the process and outcomes of psychiatric genetic counseling, focusing on its clinical implications and remaining research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehannine C Austin
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2A9, Canada
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10
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Burns K, Swanson A, Hoskovec J, Leonhard J, Hahn S, Stein QP. Genetic counseling job market in the United States and Canada: An analysis of job advertisements 2014–2016. J Genet Couns 2019; 28:869-877. [DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Burns
- Department of Genetic Counseling Augustana University Sioux Falls South Dakota
- Sanford Health Sioux Falls South Dakota
| | - Amy Swanson
- Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling Northwestern University Chicago Illinois
| | - Jennifer Hoskovec
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston Texas
| | - Jennifer Leonhard
- Department of Genetic Counseling Augustana University Sioux Falls South Dakota
- Sanford Health Sioux Falls South Dakota
| | | | - Quinn P. Stein
- Department of Genetic Counseling Augustana University Sioux Falls South Dakota
- Sanford Health Sioux Falls South Dakota
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