Implications of genetic risk information in families with a high density of bipolar disorder: An exploratory study

While major susceptibility genes for bipolar disorder are yet to be identified, the opportunity exists to ascertain systematically the important issues and societal implications of genetic risk determination for bipolar disorder prior to these technological advances becoming widely available. This study explores, in a sample of families with a high density of bipolar disorder: (i) attitudes to predictive genetic and prenatal testing, using different risk frames; (ii) attributions for bipolar disorder, in particular the degree to which a genetic model is endorsed; and (iii) the impact of these attributions on the perceived stigma of bipolar disorder. A qualitative methodology was selected as most appropriate as no previous research has examined this issue. Participants were ascertained through a molecular genetics study of bipolar disorder. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 members of families with a high density of bipolar disorder. Most participants reported being interested in genetic testing if it gave a definitive answer, while expressed interest in testing was lower if it gave a probable answer only. Almost all stressed that a genetic susceptibility and environmental factors interacted. Most participants felt that a genetic explanation was likely to decrease the stigma associated with bipolar disorder as it shifted the locus of control and responsibility away from the individual towards the role of heredity. Findings indicate that expressed interest in genetic testing depends on the certainty imparted by the test. Results suggest that families with bipolar disorder are likely to benefit psychologically from information about the genetic basis of bipolar disorder

Genome screen of 15 Australian bipolar affective disorder pedigrees supports previously identified loci for bipolar susceptibility genes

Objective: Despite many studies into the genetics of bipolar disorder (BP), the molecular causes underlying susceptibility to BP remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify chromosomal regions linked to BP in a new Australian extended pedigree cohort. Methods: We have conducted a parametric genome-wide linkage scan on 15 previously unreported Australian extended families with BP and related affective disorders, comprising 63 affected and 158 nonaffected individuals. Results: This study provides support for previously identified linkage regions on chromosomes 1p13-31, 3q24-25, 4q13-32, 10p11-q11, and 15q21-23, although none of these regions reached suggestive or significant evidence for linkage. Conclusion: Although not providing statistically significant evidence for linkage in this study, these 15 families provide support for previously identified bipolar susceptibility loci, and may aid in localizing susceptibility genes for BP in a larger combined cohort framework.6 page(s