There a number of factors pertaining to genetic mapping and testing for future health problems that can create dilemmas for both the patient and the health care providers. There is always uncertainty and numerous variables when genes pose the probability of predisposition to certain diseases. As to the procedure in which this problem is addressed one needs “To uncover the patient’s genetic background.” In cases of certain types of cancer, for example, there are four specific traits that suggest it is a wise course to take upon genetic testing of the patients’ family members.
This is possible in 60% to 95% of the families of cancer patients. The predictions of genetic testing can reduce apprehension and uncertainly of the tested patient. This predictive genetic testing can be a stress reduces for those who have a family history of hereditary disease. Profound anxiety may occur when gray shades pertaining to the uncertainty of a gene cells propensity to carry a serious disease exists within the family history.
This stressful mental frame of is a dilemma unto itself, so psychological counseling may be necessary for some patients. Psychological counseling may apply for ton’s illnesses such as hunting disease (a neuro degenerative disease) as well as certain hereditary forms of cancer and some hereditary heart diseases. “The psychological counseling should be tailored to the specific characteristics of the disease.” A disease with no known care such as Huntington’s disease needs a different type of approach. This consists of a variety of forms of therapy thorough out the span of a life time for Huntington disease varies at what age it will strike it’s victim. The average age is around 40 and the duration of the disease runs for about 15 years. Of course these numbers may vary forms patient to patient. This is opposed to variety of potentially curable forms of cancer, and also some heart disease issues. One theory is that the choice for genetic testing and its complexities should be left to an unconscious thought process. According to one psychologist by the name of Dijksterhuis, has found that the choices in genetic testing and the complexity of them. Should be left to unconscious thought. The reasoning behind this is because conscious is held back by low memory capability, and therefore not appropriate for extremely commatters, whereas unconscious thought has a greater ability to integrate and rationalize a larger amount of information.
An increasing number of studies in the area of predictive testing is based on a frame work of theories. Applying and developing these theories in the area of predictive testing should help increase our understanding of the emotions involved, as well as the understanding and the behavioral reactions of the predictive test patient. These theories should also help to take into concern the burden for genetic risk and the psychological brunt of predictive test results from one individual, an entire family and it’s cultural level. Quantity and quality research methods should specific theories in predictive testing. The major portion of research studies in predictive testing cannot be put into a general state for an entire population of possible test applicants or individuals already tested. More research is necessary for the psychological view of an at risk person who hasn’t applied for predictive testing, especially in the areas of hereditary forms of cancer and hereditary heart disease.
Sadly, cultural bias is another problem which causes limitations of study and predictive testing and is carried out through a strict and rigid “multi-disciplinary counseling context.”
Perhaps, in time, the rigidity of this format will be able to become more relaxed and stress factors also can be reduced as well.