The ethics of polygenic scores in psychiatry: minefield or opportunity for patient-centered psychiatry?

Roel H P Wouters, Marte Z van der Horst*, Cora M Aalfs, Janita Bralten, Jurjen J Luykx, Janneke R Zinkstok

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Recent advancements in psychiatric genetics have sparked a lively debate on the opportunities and pitfalls of incorporating polygenic scores into clinical practice. Yet, several ethical concerns have been raised, casting doubt on whether further development and implementation of polygenic scores would be compatible with providing ethically responsible care. While these ethical issues warrant thoughtful consideration, it is equally important to recognize the unresolved need for guidance on heritability among patients and their families. Increasing the availability of genetic counseling services in psychiatry should be regarded as a first step toward meeting these needs. As a next step, future integration of novel genetic tools such as polygenic scores into genetic counseling may be a promising way to improve psychiatric counseling practice. By embedding the exploration of polygenic psychiatry into the supporting environment of genetic counseling, some of the previously identified ethical pitfalls may be prevented, and opportunities to bolster patient empowerment can be seized upon. To ensure an ethically responsible approach to psychiatric genetics, active collaboration with patients and their relatives is essential, accompanied by educational efforts to facilitate informed discussions between psychiatrists and patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)31-36
Number of pages6
JournalPsychiatric Genetics
Volume34
Issue number2
Early online date4 Mar 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2024

Keywords

  • genetic counseling
  • patient empowerment
  • polygenic scores
  • psychiatric genetics

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