Jim Dunnigan writes that a new blood test can identifies people who are vulnerable to Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
Until Israeli scientists recently developed a test that accurately identified those most likely to develop PTSD, you had to watch everyone if you wanted to identify the PTSD victims. The new blood test will make it easier to treat PTSD victims, who can, in most cases, have their PTSD cured or minimized if they get the right treatment quickly enough.
Diagnostic test like these can significantly improve the care of patients, allowing physicians to target care where it is most likely to be useful.
But, these tests could also be used to “pre-screen” candidates and keep them from getting jobs. Should those who are vulnerable to PTSD be kept from jobs as soldiers, cops, or firemen? Should a person be told that they are vulnerable to PTSD? If they know, do they have to inform their employers or potential employers?
As we get better at testing for “vulnerabilities” or “potential” there are real possibilities for discrimination by employers, insurance companies, .spouses, etc. Gattaca here we come.
Posted by georgegmacdonald at March 2, 2005 07:26 AM