How to Talk With Families About Genetics and Psychiatric Illness

As we learn more about how our biology and genes can play into the development of a mental health disorder, patients and their families are increasingly seeking answers to tough questions about common risk factors, recurrence, genetic testing, and implications for future generations

This guide explains just how to address these questions and concerns in a way that's comprehensible and compassionate. Filled with case studies, sample dialogues, and question-and-answer examples, it is an essential roadmap for practitioners, helping them to demystify a complex issue for their clients and equipping them with the accurate, reassuring information they need.

"This book is a remarkable achievement, and essential reading for all mental health clinicians, physicians, and genetic counselors. Peay and Austin have answered the critical need for a resource that prepares clinicians to help individuals and families make sense of the complex and rapidly-advancing field of psychiatric genetics. There is simply no other book like this."---Jordan W. Smoller, MD, ScD, Director, Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

"A must-read for all mental health and genetics clinicians. Its easy-to-read, question-and-answer format reflects the most common clinical concerns. By providing straightforward, specific language to use with patients, as well as counseling aids, case examples, and practical tips, Peay and Austin help mental health practitioners easily translate research findings into their clinical work."---Christine Finn, PhD, Director, Psychiatry Residency Training Program, and Director, Crises and Consultation Service, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Holly Peay, MS, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Johns, Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a graduate advisor to the Johns Hopkins/National Institutes of Health graduate program in genetic counseling, and a certified genetic counselor.
Jehannine Austin, PhD, is a Canada Research Chair, Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia, and a certified genetic counselor.