Navigating Emotional Impact of Genetic Testing

Hello everyone,

At MKGenetix, we know that receiving genetic testing results can bring a wide range of emotions—from relief to uncertainty, and sometimes even fear. Our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive genetic counseling services to help families process these results and understand their impact. In this blog post, we will explore the emotional journey that may accompany genetic testing results, the role of genetic counseling, and how MKGenetix can support families through this experience.

Understanding the Emotional Impact of Genetic Testing

Receiving genetic test results can be an intense experience. Families may encounter a variety of feelings, including:

• Relief: When results provide answers or rule out specific conditions, it can offer a sense of closure or clarity.
• Anxiety: Uncertainty about how the results will impact family planning, lifestyle choices, or the future can be overwhelming.
• Sadness or Grief: For some, a positive result confirming a genetic condition may bring a sense of loss or sadness.
• Empowerment: Many families feel empowered by knowing their genetic background, as it allows them to make more informed decisions.

These emotional responses are natural and vary widely from person to person. You may also feel a bit of all of them at once or cycle through the various emotions. Genetic counseling can help families process these feelings and better understand what their results mean.

Why Seek Genetic Counseling for Emotional Support?

Interpreting Results

Genetic counselors can help interpret complex genetic information in a way that is meaningful and actionable. We all have two copies of all of our genes, one we get from our mother and the other we get from our father. These genes are like instructions which code for proteins that help make our bodies grow and work properly. Genetic testing is a way to look at these instructions (genes) and assess for various changes that could affect how the genes work. We all have thousands of genetic changes called variants. However, most of them don’t have a negative impact on how the genes work. These don’t get written on genetic testing reports. However, some common genetic findings that do get reported out include:

• Carrier Status: Individuals may discover they are carriers for certain genetic conditions, which may not impact their health but they can pass the genetic change down to their children.
• Pathogenic Variants: These are changes in genes linked to specific conditions and can provide insight into potential health concerns. Some may call these “mutation”.
• Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS): Results that require further analysis or family testing to fully understand their significance, which can sometimes lead to uncertainty.

Genetic counselors provide clear information on what each result means and help families develop a plan for any next steps.

Personalized Coping Strategies

Genetic counselors offer personalized support to help families manage the emotions that accompany genetic results. Some helpful strategies include:

• Developing a Plan: Creating a practical and emotional action plan can help ease the transition from receiving a result to taking proactive steps forward.
• Normalizing Emotions: Counselors can help normalize and validate the complex emotions that arise, ensuring families don’t feel isolated in their experience.
• Connecting with Support Networks: Genetic counselors can link families to community resources and support networks, such as condition-specific support groups and mental health services.

The Benefits of Genetic Counseling for Family Planning

Understanding Recurrence Risk

Genetic testing can inform family planning decisions by offering insight into the likelihood of passing on specific genetic conditions. Families may want to discuss options with their counselor, including:

• Preconception Testing: Identifying any potential risks before conception to consider various family planning options.
• Prenatal Testing: Genetic counselors can discuss prenatal testing options that provide early information about a baby’s health.
• Planning for the Future: For some, genetic results provide a foundation for preparing necessary resources or support networks in advance.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

Knowing more about your genetic background empowers families to make informed, proactive decisions. Many families find that understanding their genetic health allows them to take control over aspects of their future. With the guidance of a genetic counselor, this process can transform feelings of fear and uncertainty into a sense of empowerment.

Challenges Families May Face in Accessing Genetic Services

While genetic counseling can be incredibly beneficial, some families face barriers to access, including:

• Long Wait Times: High demand can sometimes lead to lengthy wait times for appointments.
• Geographic Limitations: Families in rural areas may find limited access to genetic services.
• Financial Constraints: Genetic counseling and testing can be costly for some families, especially if insurance coverage is limited.

How MKGenetix Can Help

At MKGenetix, we are here to support you through every stage of your genetic testing journey. Our services include:

• Detailed Genetic Counseling Sessions: Comprehensive discussions of genetic testing options, results, and next steps.
• Access to Resources: Referrals to support groups, counseling services, and educational materials tailored to your specific needs.
• Ongoing Support: Our counselors provide long-term support, helping families navigate their results over time and adjust as new information becomes available.

We are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care to families as they process their genetic testing results. At MKGenetix, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge, emotional support, and resources needed to navigate the complexities of genetic testing and move forward with confidence.

Warm regards,

Megan Trinkle-Knotts, MS, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
Founder, MKGenetix