Downside: Emotions that may come with genetic testing

The genetic testing process may be overwhelming or confusing at times. You may feel anxious as you wait for your results. Learning about your results can bring up difficult emotions for you and your loved ones, too. For example, you might feel excited or relieved to get answers about your risk for developing ALS or related conditions. If you find out that you have a higher risk of developing ALS in the future, you may feel sad, anxious, or depressed after hearing the news. If you learn that you don’t have a higher risk of developing ALS, you may feel relieved — but if you find out that a family member does have a higher risk, you may feel a sense of survivor’s guilt at the same time.

If you choose to share genetic testing results with your family members, they may have strong feelings about your results and their own risk of developing ALS or related conditions. Keep in mind that you’re not alone — your genetic counselor can share guidance to support you through difficult conversations with family and friends.