There are psychological issues inherent in the reception and interpretation of genetic data. Patients may find knowledge regarding a genetic condition in their family either liberating or burdensome. Self-concept may be affected. Decisions about childbearing are intensely personal and emotional. Guilt, shame, fear, and stigma are often attached to people’s explanations for cause of illness.62 Although addressing emotions such as these lies squarely within the domain of expertise of psychiatrists, genetic counselors are also uniquely equipped to address these challenges,63 and thus collaboration is important. Formal exposure to genetic counselors and to their work with patients and families dealing with neuropsychiatric syndromes would be an excellent training experience for psychiatric residents.
