What is genetic counseling?
Genetic counseling involves a meeting with a genetic counselor and geneticist to discuss genetic or inherited conditions. Genetic counseling seeks to translate complex scientific information into practical information that is useful to the patient and other family members. Usually the counselor asks many questions about the individual’s family history. The family history information is used to help make a genetic diagnosis, to determine a person’s risk for developing a genetic disorder, or to determine the risk of having a child with a genetic disorder. Medical information is also collected and the geneticist and genetic counselor will assess the family’s medical needs, as well as their emotional, psychosocial and other needs.
Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates the following: Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence. Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research. Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptations to the risk or condition. Journal of Genetic Counseling, Vol.
During Genetic Counseling, the inheritance pattern of a particular genetic disorder in a family is studied. The chances of recurrence of the same abnormality in the family are explained. If genetic tests for diagnosis of that disorder are available in India, arrangements are made to send the required samples for testing. This can help for prenatal diagnosis in a subsequent pregnancy in family members at risk. As most genetic disorders cannot be cured, genetic counseling helps to prevent the recurrence of the same disorder in the extended family.
Genetic counseling helps families understand information about birth defects and inherited conditions. Detailed information about your family history is reviewed. If there is a family history of a genetic condition, the genetic counselor will discuss the chance that the condition will occur again in your family. The genetic counselor also will provide up-to-date information about available genetic tests, treatments, research options support organizations and community resources. A genetic counselor is a health care professional with a master’s degree, including specialized training in human/medical genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors are certified by either the American Board of Genetic Counseling or the American Board of Medical Genetics. Genetic counseling is a dynamic psychoeducational process centered on genetic information.
Genetic counseling is a health service that provides information and support if you have, or may be at risk for, genetic disorders. A genetic counselor helps you and your family members understand how inheritance works and what causes genetic conditions. The genetic counselor also can help you understand how this genetic information may impact you and your family emotionally. The counselor will ask many questions about your family medical history. Your family history is used to determine your risk for developing a genetic disorder, to determine your risk of having a child with a genetic disorder and to help make a genetic diagnosis.
