Mental Disorders and Genetics: the Ethical Context
Introduction
Ethical issues arise in the conduct and application of genetic research into mental disorders. A Working Party met from October 1996 to June 1998 to examine these issues and a Report was published in September 1998.
Research into the genetics of mental disorders may lead to a range of potential benefits. It may add to our understanding of their underlying causes, improve diagnosis and enable the development of new drug-based or other treatments. However, mental health and genetics are both areas which raise significant and sometimes distinctive ethical, social and legal concerns. The Working Party examined the ethical issues that may arise when these two fields come together.
Issues considered included:
- the ethics of asking mentally disordered people to participate in genetic research whether genetic knowledge increases or decreases stigma suffered by those with mental disorders
- which uses of genetic information about mental disorders are ethical
- the implications of genetic information in reproductive decisions.
The resulting Report makes recommendations about research into genetic disorders, genetic testing, screening and counselling, the use of genetic information in various contexts including reproductive decisions, the establishment and maintenance of genetic registers and reducing stigma.
The Report concluded that genetic tests will not be particularly useful in the near future in diagnosing mental disorders with complex causes. The report also makes a wide ranging set of recommendations directed at government and professional bodies.
Last Updated Thu, 14 October 2004
