Individuals, Families, and the New Era of Genetics - Biopsychosocial Perspectives

"This volume is destined to be a classic. While the specific scientific findings may change as the rapidly evolving field of genetics develops, the human issues are basic and profound; they will always be there. For mental health professionals, our new understanding of genetically influenced illness signals the need to reconsider the individual focus and emphasis on pathology that has traditionally shaped psychological interventions. Genetic information involves extended family, both those who are biologically related and those who will inevitably be involved in difficult decisions and caretaking. Professional helpers will need to regard the family's struggle as normal rather than pathological, and will need to become skillful in working with their distress, their strengths, and their customary patterns of coping and relating. This volume provides the groundwork for preparing for the task ahead."
- Salvador Minuchin, M.D., Minuchin Center for the Family, and coauthor of Family Healing: Strategies for Hope and Understanding

"The revolution in genomics and clinical genetics has begun. The amount of information that individuals and families have about their health prospects is increasing exponentially. Mareover, this information is fundamentally different in kind probabilistic, interactive, and time-sensitive. The rules for understanding, using, and explaining this information will iktewise be fundamentally different. Miller and her colleagues have prepared a guide to this emerging field that is comprehensive, infernally consistent, specific, and compassionate. This volume is more than a perspective on the topic promised in the subtitle; it is basic equipment for the new era that is upon us."
- Frank Verloin deGruy III, M.D., MSFMI, Woodward-Chisholm Professor and Chair Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine

"This comprehensive volume will be invaluable to scholars and students interested in the psychosocial ramifications of the new field of genetic medicine on patients and family members. Individuals, Families, and the New Era of Genetics will help professionals gain a deep understanding of how genetic advances change families and how families change the meaning and utilization of genetic knowledge. Not only are there thoughtful reviews of medical advances in the genetics of cancer, smoking predisposition, and psychiatric illness, but the authors keep the focus squarely on the context of the family, where these advances have their greatest impact on patients and their relatives. Because it provides a wealth of relevant information on the practice of family therapy, genetic medicine, and psychosocial genetics, and offers many great suggestions for valuable future research, this book is a great addition to the field."
- Andrea Farkas Patenaude, Ph.D., Director of Psycho-Oncology Research, Department of Pediatrics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Associate Prolessor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, and author of Genetic Testing for Cancer Pychological Approaches for Helping Patients and Families