Psychological obstacles to genetic education.

Medical knowledge and psychic reactions were studied in families affected by a progressive autosomal recessive disease, aspartylglucosaminuria. The information was given mainly in simple but written form. The subjects appeared to accept little correct information. Conversation did not appear to be of much value and intense emotional reactions were provoked. Attitudes towards the disease and patients could be divided into three groups: rational (30%), defensive (50%), and hostile (20%). The importance of early and repeated personal communication is emphasized.