The psychological impact of genetic information on children: a systematic review.
Claire E WakefieldLucy V HanlonKatherine M TuckerAndrea F PatenaudeChristina SignorelliJordana K McLooneRichard J CohnPublished in: Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics (2016)
The review identified little conclusive evidence of deleterious psychological consequences for children acquiring genetic information. However, there is a lack of data regarding genetic testing for conditions that may not be treatable/modifiable, as well as a dearth of longitudinal studies. Therefore, clinical caution remains essential for the ethical integration of genetic testing into pediatrics. Further research assessing the potential positive and negative effects of genetic testing in childhood is warranted.Genet Med 18 8, 755-762.