A gene test confirming the risk of a serious disease can trigger profound psychological consequences. Family relations . Unlike other medical tests, gene tests reveal information not only about ourselves but about our relatives, and the decision to have a gene test, as well as the test results, can reverberate throughout the family. If a baby tests positive for sickle-cell trait, for example, it follows that one of his or her parents is a carrier. It is also possible for gene tests to inadvertently disclose family secrets involving paternity or adoption.
Emotions elicited by test results can produce a shift in family dynamics.
Someone identified as carrying the gene may feel anger, while one who has escaped may be overwhelmed by guilt for avoiding a disease that afflicts a close relative. Family issues are especially prominent in research programs where genetic linkage tests depend on testing many members of the same family. Some family members may not want to participate in the study or know their genetic risks. People considering gene tests may want to find out how their relatives would feel about knowing whether or not they have a disease gene or allowing the information to be given to others. Someone who elects to have a gene test needs to consider whether or not to share the test results with other members of the family.