Presymptomatic screening for schizophrenia: a geneticist's perspective.

Abstract

To examine whether the experience gained in offering various genetic tests may be of help in the planning for screening in schools for a personality profile that may identify those destined to develop schizophrenia. To examine the outcomes in offering genetic testing: (i) to individuals at risk of developing Huntington's disease; (ii) to school pupils for carrier status for cystic fibrosis; and (iii) to the intellectually handicapped in schools to identify those with the fragile X syndrome. All programs however carefully planned, encounter the unexpected and unforeseen. It is essential to know the specificity and sensitivity of your screening test; to ensure that all have adequate knowledge before consenting to the testing; to ensure the confidentiality of the test results to the individual being tested and their families; and to ensure that funding is adequate and ongoing to provide continuing support and therapy to the families identified when research converts to service.