Attitudes regarding molecular diagnosis in Mexican families at risk of inheriting Huntington's disease

Arch Med Res. 1997 Winter;28(4):513-6.

Abstract

Fifty-eight, at-risk subjects were studied. 81% of the group wished to know whether they had inherited Huntington's disease, even though only 79% would undergo testing. The subjects reported a favorable attitude toward a probable positive result in 81% of cases. Nevertheless, 52% reported they would become depressed, and a small group referred suicidal ideation as response to a probable positive result. Regarding genetic counseling, 59% reported that an at-risk person should not have children, although this increased to 82% if the person knew with certainty that they would develop the disease. Prenatal testing was favored in 74%, and less than half would be willing to have an abortion. Genetic counseling must be insisted upon, the selection of at-risk subjects must be carefully made, and the characteristics of the Mexican population must be taken into account.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Huntington Disease / diagnosis*
  • Huntington Disease / genetics*
  • Male
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Risk Factors