Social work and genetic counseling
Weiss, J.O.
Social Work in Health Care 2(1): 5-12
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-1389 PMID: 1019810 DOI: 10.1300/j010v02n01_02Document Number: 431590
Genetic counselors often impart anxiety-producing information to the patient or his family. A social worker should be available to help these individuals deal with the emotional impact of the genetic facts given them. Reactions to such information can be extremely varied. Areas of concentration for the social worker in the genetics setting include aid in family planning, identification of psychosocial aspects of genetic disorders, and help in interpreting and understanding the genetic diagnosis and medical recommendations. The individual who discovers he or she possesses or transmits a defective gene needs help in improving his or her self-image and in relieving his or her guilt load.