Mental diseases and genetic disposition: ethical aspects

Abstract

The handling of predictive genetic tests especially in the field of mental diseases requires a sensitive approach. In particular internet-based direct-to-consumer offers cannot provide an appropriate interpretation of the onset probabilistic data. Instead, a doctor-patient relationship should cater for clarity through hermeneutic and non-technicistic assistance with respect to the necessity of a test as well as with a view to the interpretation of the test results.