The Troubled Helix
Social and Psychological Implications of the New Human Genetics

This wide ranging and compelling account surveys the exciting opportunities and difficult problems which arise from human genetics.

Theresa Marteau (Edited by), Martin Richards (Edited by)

9780521586122, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 March 1999

380 pages, 13 b/w illus. 4 tables
24.4 x 17 x 2 cm, 0.61 kg

'The book is enriched by a long section of personal accounts that dramatise the implications of genetic testing for individuals who are faced with the prospect of a late-onset disease and for their families who are also implicated.' The Lancet

This wide ranging and compelling account surveys the exciting opportunities and difficult problems which arise from human genetics. The availability of increasingly sophisticated information on our genetic make-up presents individuals, and society as a whole, with difficult decisions. Although it is hoped that these advances will ultimately lead the way to the effective treatment and screening for all diseases with a genetic component, at present many individuals are 'condemned' to a life sentence, in the knowledge that they, or their children, will suffer from an incurable genetic disease. This was the first book to attempt to explore and survey these issues from such a variety of perspectives: from personal accounts of individuals coping with the threat of genetic disease, from the viewpoint of clinicians and scientists, and from those concerned with psychosocial, legal and ethical aspects.

Preface. Part I. Personal Stories: 1. Daily life and the new genetics: some personal stories 1.2 Huntington's disease S. Wright, J. Madigan, Anon.
1.3 Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer J. Zatz, E. Macke, Anon.
1.4 Werdnig-Hoffman's syndrome A. Macaulay, H. Hearnshaw
1.5 Sickle cell conditions M. France-Dawson, A. Mottoh
1.6 Personal experiences of genetic diseases: a clinical geneticists' reaction P. S. Harper
Part II. Clinical Context: 2. The new genetics: a user's guide M. Pembrey
3. Decision-making in the context of genetic risk S. Shiloh
4. Genetic counselling: some issues of theory and practice S. Michie and T. Marteau
5. Evaluating carrier testing: objectives and outcomes T. Marteau and E. Anionwu
6. Psychosocial aspects of prenatal screening and diagnosis J. Green and H. Statham
7. The genetic testing of children: a clinical perspective A. Clarke and F. Flinter
8. Predictive genetic testing in children: paternalism or empiricism? S. Michie
Part III. Social Context: 9. The troubled helix: legal aspects of the new genetics D. Morgan
10. Human pedigree and the 'best stock': from eugenics to genetics? J. Durant, A. Hansen and M. Bauer
12. Families, kinship and genetics M. Richards
13. Ethics of human genome analysis: some virtues and vices J. Wood-Harper and J. Harris
14. Genetics and racism H. Bradby
15. Predictive genetics: the cultural implications of supplying probable futures C. Davison
16. The new genetics: a feminist view M. Stacey
17. Afterword M. Richards and T. Marteau
Index.

Subject Areas: Genetics [non-medical PSAK], Medical genetics [MFN], Medical ethics & professional conduct [MBDC]