Advise or consent? Issues in genetic testing of adolescents

Adolesc Med. 2002 Jun;13(2):213-21, v.

Abstract

Medical genetics is a rapidly advancing field, and genetic testing is becoming readily accessible as well as more sophisticated. Genetic testing has the potential to be both harmful and beneficial in terms of physical, psychosocial, and reproductive health. Ethical and legal implications of genetic testing are profound and particularly confounding in children and adolescents. This chapter discusses points to consider in evaluating the potential benefit and harm of the decision to undergo testing in adolescence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Ethics, Clinical
  • Genetic Carrier Screening*
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Huntington Disease / genetics
  • Informed Consent*
  • Male
  • Mental Competency*