Question 5 -- MSJA Genetics

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Subject: Question 5

Author:
Hud

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Date Posted: 13:46:17 12/11/03 Thu
In reply to: Sister Karen 's message, "Case Study: A Daughter's Tale" on 14:19:08 11/03/03 Mon

I believe that genetic counseling should address personal issues, such as Janet's "anger" toward her mother for passing along a defective Alzheimer gene. Many patients are severly affected by the realization that they will probably develop a harmful, if not deadly, disease. These feelings should be discussed with a medical professional because if not, they could have detremental effects (ie suicide) for the patients. People that suffer from such diseases absolutely need a "support system" to help them in their battle. Many, however, do not have close family and friends to provide the needed support and encouragement. They are therefore left alone with their bottled- up emotions and have to face the realities of the disease alone. Doctors should discuss all possible "treatments" and aspects of the disease so that the patient can fully understand what will happen and can better prepare themselves for the painful things that may happen in the future. Doctors should also recommend therapy methods; such a seeing a counselor or therapist, going to a support group, keeping a journal where one can vent, or drugs (such as Prozac) that keep one in a better state of mind and that avoid possible tragedies like suicide. Although many patients feel alone and isolated in such situations, it is beneficial to put ones feelings out in the open because "solutions" are then more apparent. Furthermore, the doctor should discuss the aspects of the disease with the patient's family so that they can have a clear picture of what will happen from someone's professional and experienced point of view. By doing this, the patient is then not forced to be placed in the painful position of telling his/her loved ones that they will be suffering and will eventually die. As a whole, I think that when doctors inform patients of their test results, they should automatically refer them to a good counselor or therapist so tragedies can be avoided.

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Replies:

Subject	Author	Date
Re: Question 5	Tina	04:11:52 12/12/03 Fri