The Foundation for Genetic Education and Counseling’s web site (and brochures on PDF) offers info on genetics and bipolar disorder. There isn’t a detailed look at current research, nor do they delve into the increasingly controversial topic of gene therapy (not available to the consumer yet, but a hot topic among ethicists and disability rights groups). The web site also needs to replace a handful of “coming soon” pages with content.

What it does have online is a good overview of the basics, for individuals and families affected by this affective disorder.

A factsheet explains what’s involved in genetic counseling as well as addressing questions about risk factors, family planning, treatments, and the threat of gene discrimination (US national legislation is in the works to prevent genetic information discrimination in health insurance and employment).

Basically, genetic counselling helps families understand, cope with and plan around genetic risks. The FGEC helps to reduce stigma with genetic mental illness, and also points individual consumers towards available genetic counselors.

Read more.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 12 Jul 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.