Often we discuss ethical dilemmas in health care in the context of providing genetic information to clients. Results from the Risk Evaluation and Education for Alzheimer's Disease Study (REVEAL), begun in 2000, show that volunteer subjects who learned that they had a genetically based increased risk for Alzheimer's disease were no more depressed, anxious, or distressed than subjects who were unaware of their genotype. After one year the members of the group who were informed that they had an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's were no more depressed than they were prior to obtaining that information. One notable caution is that patients in this study received extensive counseling in relation to the genetic information.

As we discuss the ethical pros and cons of providing genetic testing and genetic information, results of the REVEAL study along with information related to the life-stage of the patient need to be considered. The rapidly evolving field of human genetics provides nurses, nurse researchers, and nurse educators with numerous research possibilities. Clinical and ethical decisions can only be made when we have obtained and shared extensive research evidence related to these issues.

Reference

1. GENETICS: Once Shunned, Test for Alzheimer's Risk Headed to Market Jennifer Couzin. (22 February 2008). Science 319 (5866), 1022. [DOI: 10.1126/science.319.5866.1022].

Source: Torrice, M. July 15, 2009. No risks in disclosing genetic risks. ScienceNow Daily News. Available athttp://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/715/1?etoc. Accessed on July 28, 2009.

Submitted by: Robin Pattillo, PhD, RN, News Editor at [email protected].