ABSTRACT
A better understanding of the genetic component of many diseases is crucial to unravelling the pathology of the disease and improving its management. This is particularly true in the case of mental health disorders. As key persons in the management of these disorders, nurses will need a good working knowledge of the subject if they are to participate in counselling, drug therapy and research intended to improve treatment and care. This chapter therefore provides a brief introduction to human genetics and an overview of the genetic aspects of disorders that nurses will encounter.
