Psychiatric polygenic risk scores: Child and adolescent psychiatrists’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences

Abstract

AbstractObjectivePsychiatric polygenic risk scores (PRS) have the potential to transform aspects of psychiatric care and prevention, but there are concerns about their implementation. We sought to assess child and adolescent psychiatrists’ (CAP) experiences, perspectives, and potential uses of psychiatric PRS.MethodsA survey of 960 US-based practicing CAP.ResultsMost respondents (54%) believed psychiatric PRS are currently at least slightly useful and 87% believed they will be so in five years. Yet, 77% rated their knowledge of PRS as poor or very poor. Ten percent have had a patient/family bring PRS to them, and 25% would request PRS if a patient/caregiver asked. Respondents endorsed different actions in response to a hypothetical child with a top 5th percentile psychiatric PRS but no diagnosis: 48% would increase prospective monitoring of symptoms, 42% would evaluate for current symptoms, and 4% would prescribe medications. Most respondents were concerned that high PRS results could lead to overtreatment and negatively impact patients’ emotional well-being.ConclusionFindings indicate emerging use of psychiatric PRS within child and adolescent psychiatry in the US. Thus, it is critical to examine the ethical and clinical challenges that PRS may generate and begin efforts to promote their informed and responsible use.