Genetic counseling

The customary reason for seeking genetic counselling is a hereditary disease (or a suspected one) in the family or near relatives. 

Genetic counselling is available at university hospitals, Folkhälsan and the Department of Medical Genetics (Väestöliitto), which is the oldest counselling unit in Finland. Nowadays, the work of the Department focuses mainly on the counselling of very rare hereditary syndromes. Other genetic problems can be dealt with by telephone and email.

At the counselling session the client (or family) is given information about the disease, how it is inherited, and the recurrence risk.

The basis of genetic counselling is the correct diagnosis. To reach this, it usually needs an intensive perusal of earlier hospital records and family medical history already before the client’s visit. At the counselling session the clients frequently meet both the genetic nurse and the doctor. The diagnosis is then made based on the information received, also the recurrence risk and prognosis are estimated. Furthermore, possibilities for treatment and rehabilitation are discussed.

The counselling session generally takes one to two hours. After the counselling, a written summary about the discussed matters is sent to the client.

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