Genetic counselling can help a person or family understand their risk of developing a genetic (inherited) condition, such as cystic fibrosis or cancer. It can also educate them about the condition and assess the risk of it being passed on to any future children.
Having early discussions with a genetic counsellor about genetic testing can reduce feelings of being hurried to make a decision later on.
What does a genetic counsellor do?
A genetic counsellor works as a member of a healthcare team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk of a variety of inherited conditions. They also provide supportive counselling to families, and serve as patient advocates.
However, genetic counselling isn’t a form of psychological counselling or psychotherapy. It shouldn’t be confused with counselling therapy used to treat mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Why might I need genetic counselling?
Your GP may refer you for a genetic consultation if:
- You know there’s a genetic disorder in your family and you’d like specialist advice about the risks for you or your children.
- There may be a genetic condition in your family that needs specialist diagnosis.
- Your child has problems that may have a genetic cause and need specialist diagnosis.
- There’s a history of some types of cancer in your family, such as breast cancer at a young age, and you want to know if you’re at risk.
- You’re pregnant and you want to discuss an abnormal test result and understand your options.
What is genetics?
Genetics is a branch of medical science that studies genes, including how they’re passed from parents to children.
For example, a health condition can be inherited when a gene changes (mutates) and is passed down through a family. Potentially, each generation of children can inherit the gene that causes the condition.
Genetics is also sometimes called clinical genetics or medical genetics.
NHS genetic services
In the UK, there are 27 NHS regional genetics centres. Patients are referred to these centres by their GP or another healthcare professional for:
- specialist diagnosis
- genetic consultations, including genetic counselling
- where appropriate, genetic testing
If your GP refers you for a genetic consultation, you may see:
- a specialist doctor (clinical geneticist)
- a genetic counsellor
- both
What will happen at my appointment?
This will depend on why you’ve been referred for a genetic consultation. Below are some examples of what your appointment may include:
- access to information about a health condition that runs in your family, how it’s inherited and which family members may be affected
- an assessment of the risk of you and your partner passing an inherited condition on to your child
- a look at the medical history of your family or your partner's family and drawing up a family tree
- support and advice if you have a child affected by an inherited condition and you want to have another child
- a discussion on genetic tests, which can be arranged if appropriate
- help in understanding the results of genetic tests and what they mean
- information about patient support groups
It’s important to understand that your healthcare professional will not make decisions for you or tell you what to do next. They will try to give you clear, accurate information, so that you can decide what’s best for you.
Read the answers to more questions about NHS services and treatments.
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