Genetic Counselling

What does it mean to be non-directive in genetic counselling?

open and friendly so that the patient is able to make informed decisions without coercion

What are the three principles of genetic counselling?

1) unconditional positive regard

2) congruence

3) empathy

What role does the Family Systems Theory play in genetic counselling?

the counsellor should be aware that the wider family may be influencing the patient's personal choices

What is the 'teach back' method used for in genetic counselling?

to check if the patient has retained sufficient information

Give 5 appropriate uses of genetic testing:

1) to make diagnoses in the family

2) to offer pre-symptomatic/ predictive testing

3) to track genetic inheritance

4) carrier testing for couples

5) prenatal testing

Describe how consent for genetic testing works for young people:

most young people under the age cannot give consent to genetic testing, however they are able if they have signs of a suspected genetic disease at screening

What is the life expectancy for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

late teens/ early twenties

What is the onset age of Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

2-3 years

What is the name of the version of IVF where the embryo is gentically tested before implantation?

pre-implantation genetic testing