What is Genetic Counselling and Why is it Important?

Genetic counseling is a medical specialty that provides essential information to families to address and help family members navigate their concerns about the risk factors of a genetic disorder and other relative health issues.

Genetic counselors enlighten the family’s understanding more about the benefits of having a genetic test done, the danger of genetic disease, and how to medically deal with these issues.

Inmost cases, when a family visits a genetic center, genetic counseling advises a patient to have a pre-test session where there is a clinical presentation of available test procedures, the risk a patient might be taking, and also a few pieces of information like the reasons behind family inquiries, the current and the past medical report in the family.

However, after the pre-test session wherein the patient agrees to take the genetic test, the genetic counselor proceeds to the next stage. At this stage, the counselor focuses on assisting the families in coping with the outcome of the genetic result.

Why is Genetic Counseling Important?

Medically we can improve our health conditions with the counsel of a medical practitioner such as a genetic counselor. Below are a few benefits associated with genetic counseling:

1.      It Enlightens More About Genetic Diseases

Genetic diseases like cancer and heart disease can be treated and managed properly under a genetic counselor’s supervision. It recommends how the psychological issues like anger, anxiety, guilt, and emotional trauma a patient develops from a genetic medical result can be addressed.

2.      Increases Self-Awareness

Genetic testing increases the chances of understanding uncovered hidden gene mutations that might develop into a disease that puts one life at risk. Genetic counselors educate its patient on the cause of this condition and prevent their health from deteriorating.

3.      Ensures Immediate Treatment

Unfortunately for some patients, they might have to be placed under immediate medical treatment and monitor. Genetic counselors make it easier for a sick patient by communicating informative and preventative measures to individuals and family members.

4.      It Reduces Family Anxiety

A genetic counselor reduces and guides a patient against anxiety.

5.      Appropriate Testing

A Genetic Counselor gives a professional and healthy decision on what type of test a patient or family member needs to conduct concerning certain disorders in the body system and the necessary actions that should be considered in this situation.

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