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Perceived Genetic Risks for Bipolar Disorder in a Patient Population: An Exploratory Study

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Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

Thirty-one subjects with bipolar illness completed a questionnaire about genetic risk for bipolar disorder. Subjects estimated both quantitative and qualitative genetic risk for bipolar disorder for the following categories: general population, siblings, parents, spouses, and children. Results showed that quantitative risks were inflated when compared to qualitative risks and that subjects routinely overestimated the risk for developing bipolar illness. These findings suggest that genetic counseling may be useful for this population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202-5251

    Kimberly A. Quaid

  2. Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202-5251

    Sharon R. Aschen, Carrie L. Smiley & John I. Nurnberger Jr.

Authors
  1. Kimberly A. Quaid
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  2. Sharon R. Aschen
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  3. Carrie L. Smiley
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  4. John I. Nurnberger Jr.
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Quaid, K.A., Aschen, S.R., Smiley, C.L. et al. Perceived Genetic Risks for Bipolar Disorder in a Patient Population: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Genetic Counseling 10, 41–51 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009403329873

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