Overview
Genomic medicine is a rapidly developing field, with significant progress made over recent years to identify genetic contributions to major psychiatric conditions. It can be difficult for clinicians to assess the clinical implications of genetic research into mental health conditions. This session aims to provide an overview of the following: The NHS England Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) was established in 2018, with commitments that include being the first national health care system to offer whole genome sequencing as part of routine care. The GMS comprises of 7 Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLH) and associated Genomic Medicine Service Alliances (GMSAs). The GMSAs are working with health providers, patients and the public to embed genomics into mainstream healthcare, including mental health care.
Dr Shereen Tadros will provide an introduction to genomic medicine, an overview of the NHS England Genomic Medicine Service and explain how psychiatrists can order diagnostic genetic tests. The College Report on the role of genetic testing in mental health settings (CR237) was published in October 2023.
The Chair of the working group, Dr Jana de Villiers, will provide a brief overview of the report and the main recommendations for genetic testing in mental health settings. Prof James Walters (and/or a colleague) will discuss the exemplar service, The All Wales Psychiatric Genomics Service. The service provides a framework for genomic medicine in psychiatric care, including co-production, multi-disciplinary working, education and training.
Dr David Crepaz-Keay, Head of Research and Applied Learning at the Mental Health Foundation and co-chair of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics Ethics, Policy and Position Committee, contributed to the College Report. Dr Crepaz-Keay has extensive personal experience of mental illness and use of mental health services. He will discuss the patient perspective, including best practice relating to informed consent.
Objectives
- To be aware of the role of genomic medicine in clinical psychiatric practice, including available genetic tests.
- To be aware of the College Report (CR237) published in October 2023, and the main recommendations relating to genetic testing in mental health settings.
- To understand the key features of a high quality psychiatric genomics service.
- To understand the factors that are key to informed consent, and to be aware of the resources that are available to support discussions with patients and there families when considering genetic testing.
Speakers
Chair: Professor Ian Jones, National Centre for Mental Health, Cardiff
Dr Shereen Tadros, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London
Dr Jana de Villiers, Chair of the ID Faculty for RCPsych in Scotland, Consultant Psychiatrist for the High Secure ID Service for Scotland and N Ireland, The State Hospital, Clinical Lead for Intellectual Disability for the Forensic Network, Edinburgh
Professor James Walters, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff
Dr David Crepaz-Creay, Mental Health Foundation, London
