Genetic Counseling Session

Issues in Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is individualized for each individual and family. The following is a limited list of issues which may arise:

privacy and confidentiality
goals of genetic counseling
lifestyle behaviors (e.g., use of alcohol, street drugs, prescription medications) that place a fetus at risk as appropriate
review of genetic family history, factors that place fetus at risk
review of appropriate diagnostic testing (e.g., DNA testing, amniocentesis, chrionic villus sampling) that may predict the presence of a genetic disorder in patient or offspring
discuss the advantages, risks, and costs of alternative diagnostic tests
minimize parents feelings that there is one correct choice or action
discuss specific treatments of genetic disorders as appropriate (e.g., infant stimultion for children with Down syndrome, monitoring fever in sickle cell anemia)
referral to community resources as needed
discuss the impact of the particular genetic disorder on the affected individual"s general health status
encourage expression of feelings
monitor patient response when he or she learns about own genetic risk factors
assist patient to list and prioritize all possible alternatives to a problem
institute crisis support skills with patient who is unable to determine a best course of action, such as in pregnancy termination
assess family support for patient who undergoes a loss of a family member or pregnancy loss related to a genetic or birth defect condition
support coping process in family members who are responsible for the ongoing care of an individual with a genetic disorder, such as Huntington disease
provide referral to a member of a other specialtists as necessary

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