This session will provide an overview of the role of genetics in psychiatric conditions, and the implications for clinical practice. The presenters have expertise in genetic research, mental health policy development, genetic counselling and lived experience of serious mental illness. This rapidly developing area of scientific research brings opportunities, challenges and risks. Engaging with people diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, families and other informal carers about the emerging understanding of the role of genetics in a range of mental disorders requires informed discussion. An update on the role of copy number variants in mental disorders will be provided, with additional research on the role of epigenetic changes being presented. The role of genetic counselling in psychiatric conditions, with the potential to improve clinical outcomes, will be discussed.
Professor Subodh Dave, Dean, Royal College of Psychiatrists
Shared decision-making and psychiatric genetics - Dr David Crepaz-Keay, Head of Applied Learning, Mental Health Foundation
Genetics and epigenetics of mental disorders - Dr Christopher Murgatryod, Reader in Genetics, Manchester Metropolitan University
Genetic counselling in serious mental illness - Professor Jehannine Austin, Professor, University of British Columbia, Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics and Executive Director of the British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute