Chapter 18, Problem 2CS

If a test were available that could tell you whether you were likely to develop a disorder such as schizophrenia later in life, would you take the test? Why or why not?

Rachel asked to see a genetic counselor because she was concerned about developing schizophrenia. Her mother and maternal grandmother both had schizophrenia and were institutionalized for most of their adult lives. Rachel’s three maternal aunts are all in their 60s and have not shown any signs of this disease. Rachel’s father is alive and healthy, and his family history does not suggest any behavioral or genetic conditions. The genetic counselor discussed the multifactorial nature of schizophrenia and explained that many candidate genes have been identified that may be mutated in individuals with the condition. However, a genetic test is not available for presymptomatic testing. The counselor explained that based on Rachel’s family history and her relatedness to individuals who have schizophrenia, her risk of developing it is approximately 13%. If an altered gene is in the family and her mother carries the gene, Rachel has a 50% chance of inheriting it.