Behavioral Changes after Psychiatric Genetic Counseling: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Introduction: Though it is well established that genetic information does not produce behavior changes, there are limited data regarding whether genetic counseling can facilitate changes in lifestyle and health behaviors that can result in improved health outcomes. Methods: To explore this issue, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 8 patients who had lived experience of psychiatric illness and who had received psychiatric genetic counseling (PGC). Using interpretive description, we used a constant comparative approach to data analysis. Results: Participants talked about how, prior to PGC, they held misconceptions and/or uncertainties about the causes of and protective behaviors associated with mental illness, which caused feelings of guilt, shame, fear, and hopelessness. Participants reported that PGC reframed things in a way that provided them a sense of agency over illness management, allowed a greater acceptance of illness, and provided release from some of the negative emotions associated with their initial framing of their illness, which seemed to be related to the self-reported increase in engagement in illness management behaviors and consequently improved mental health outcomes. Conclusion: This exploratory study provides evidence to support the idea that through addressing emotions associated with perceived cause of illness and facilitating understanding of etiology and risk-reducing strategies, PGC may lead to an increase in behaviors, which protect mental health.