A pilot study led by Brain & Behavior Research Foundation NARSAD Grantee Anne S. Bassett, M.D., F.R.C.P.C. of the University of Toronto and colleagues, shows a positive response to genetic counseling for individuals with schizophrenia. Prior to the counseling, patients tended to overestimate the risk of familial recurrence of schizophrenia, expressed considerable concern related to this perceived risk, endorsed myths about schizophrenia etiology, and blamed themselves for their illness. Post-counseling, there was a significant improvement in understanding of the empiric recurrence risk, accompanied by a decrease in associated concern. There were also significant gains in subjective and objective knowledge and reductions in internalized stigma and self-blame. Satisfaction with genetic counseling, including endorsement of the need for such counseling (86.4%), was high.

The study was published Dec. 12, 2012 in Schizophrenia Bulletin. Dr. Bassett, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Schizophrenia Genetics and colleagues studied a group of 25 people with schizophrenia who had considerable concerns about the risk of the illness being “passed on” to the next generation of their family.

Read an abstract about this research