Many survey respondents support personal access to genetic information. Mrazek et al.’s survey of a small sample of mental health professionals found that 98% believed adults generally have a right to know their genotypes (Mrazek et al., 2007). Even more specific to psychiatry, Danish researchers found that 70% of psychiatric patients, 66% of their relatives, and 54% of medical and psychology students believe everyone should have access to psychiatric genetic testing (Laegsgaard & Mors, 2008). However, although hard data on utilization of direct-to-consumer tests are not publicly available, it appears that the enthusiasm expressed in surveys has not translated into support for recent business ventures offering genetic testing to anyone willing to pay (Hoop et al., 2008a; Mitchell et al., 2010). Once again, the apparent discrepancy between opinions offered in response to hypothetical questions and actual behavior is striking. At least one qualitative study (using the 5-HTTLPR gene as an example) reported that participants were unanimous in their disapproval of direct-to-consumer predictive genetic testing. Their objections included concerns about the credibility of the testing services, worries about the security of DNA samples and the privacy of genetic information, and lack of confidence in non-face-to-face genetic counseling (Wilde et al., 2010).
