DNA
Studies on DNA and genetic testing, including adoptees’ experiences, identity, medical information and privacy, alongside research examining DNA itself.
These entries are grouped by terms in their titles, summaries and topics. This is a route through the database, not a systematic review.
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Adoptees’ views and experiences of direct-to-consumer genomic testing
2023 · United Kingdom
Ten UK adult adoptees were interviewed about DNA testing, including motivations, health and ancestry information, birth-relative contact, privacy and the meaning of results.
An Exploration of the Psychological Impact of Receiving Information from Genetic Testing and Screening for Adopted and Cared-For Individuals
2026 · United Kingdom
A review of five studies examined adopted and care-experienced adults’ responses to genetic information. Information could help fill identity gaps but could also create uncertainty and further searching. An empirical component interviewed six health and social care professionals about hypothetical genomic screening and later disclosure, identifying concerns about identity, relationships and isolation.
Can Genomics Remove Uncertainty from Adoption? Social Workers' and Medical Advisors' Accounts of Genetic Testing
2022 · England and Wales
Researchers interviewed 20 social workers, managers, medical advisers and paediatricians from adoption services in England and Wales about genetic testing. Medical professionals described pressure to test children before adoption, while social workers often saw testing as reducing uncertainty. The analysis described how newer genomic tests can also create uncertain results that professionals must interpret, with possible consequences for children’s adoption prospects.
Epigenomic Approaches to Neuropsychiatric Health and Disease Across the Life-course
2017 · United Kingdom
The adoptee component examined epigenetic associations with early institutional deprivation in Romanian adoptees. A DNA methylation region linked to CYP2E1 was associated with deprivation and socio-cognitive abilities. Other thesis components examined twins and neurodegenerative disease and are not adoptee findings.
Professionals' accounts of genetic testing in adoption: a qualitative study
2020 · United Kingdom
Interviews with 12 social workers and eight medical advisers explored retrospective genetic-testing cases in adoption. Social workers tended to describe testing as giving definitive answers, while medical advisers emphasised uncertainty and potential misunderstanding. Medical advisers also reported requests for testing they considered inappropriate.
Severe psychosocial deprivation in early childhood is associated with increased DNA methylation across a region spanning the transcription start site of CYP2E1
2016 · United Kingdom; Romania (origin)
Researchers measured DNA methylation in cheek cells from 49 adolescent adoptees with longer, shorter or no Romanian institutional exposure. No individual tested site remained significant after multiple-testing correction, but a region spanning nine sites near CYP2E1 differed by exposure and was associated with markers of social-cognitive difficulties.