Ethical Application of Precision Medicine to Schizophrenia Management

Abstract

A recent effort has been made to better characterize the genetic architecture of schizophrenia, and apply a precision medicine model to its treatment. In pursuing this approach, it is likely that ethical concerns regarding cost-benefit uncertainties, the duty to inform and confidentiality will arise. Due to the complexity of schizophrenia’s genetic profile, research efforts must be weighed against the risk to human subjects and the required consumption of valuable healthcare resources. Genetic risk profiles must be judged in conjunction with actionability and must be fully explained to patients and others potentially affected. However, confidentiality should be of paramount importance due to the presence of a risk-state phenotype, meaning the associated presence of clinically detectable neurocognitive deficiencies in those with elevated schizophrenia risk profiles.

KEYWORDS:

• schizophrenia
• mental health
• precision medicine
• genomics
• psychiatry
• ethics

ORCID

Steven Daws http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5538-2996

Notes on contributor

Steven Daws is a Master of Bioethics candidate at the Perelman School of Medicine, as well as a Doctor of Dental Medicine Candidate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology & History from Columbia University.