SERVICES

Genetic counselling

What is genetic counselling?

Genetic counselling has significant benefits when dealing with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia that could run in the family. Screening for mental disease with genetic ties in families reduces stigmatisation of each disorder. Most people find genetic counselling extremely beneficial as it alerts them to whether there is a risk of mental illness being passed off onto children. After finding out their medical history, including that of mental illness in the family, they can seek treatment and therapy as soon as possible.

Who benefits from genetic counselling?

Any person who wants to know why they have mental illness by either being inflicted by it personally or having it in the family will benefit from genetic counselling.

Other beneficial parties include:

• Those who are feeling guilty over other family members struggling with the disorder
• People who have a history of mental illness in their family and plan to have children in the future
• Brothers and sisters of siblings affected by mental illness

What happens during a genetic counselling session?

Every session is different and depends on each individual’s family situation. First of all, your psychologist attempts to understand what you hope to gain from these sessions; in other words, the reason why you think you will benefit from genetic counselling. Then, your psychologist will draw from your experiences, your family history of mental disease and the risk of it being passed down to children or grandkids. By providing valuable information about mental illness in families and the risk of it being inherited by others in the family, you will become more empowered and knowledgeable about your condition. Your psychologist will also help you connect with support groups for you to gain a better understanding of your situation. Regular therapy sessions will also help put your mind at ease.

Fear of mental illness contributes to its stigma. By unpacking more about your family’s condition, you are chipping away at the stigmatisation of the disease.