Research aimed at identifying genes contributing to the aetiology ofpsychological disorders is in progress. This raises the possibility thatgenetic testing for such genes might become available. In this paper thepossible psychological consequences of genetic testing for psychologicaldisorders are examined. It is proposed that genetic testing may causepsychological and behavioural reactions that actually increase theperson’s risk of developing a psychological disorder or may maintainexisting problems. It is also suggested that cognitive-behavioural modelsmay be able to aid prediction of some of the likely consequences of testingand identify people who are likely to react in particularly negative ways tonews of their genetic risk. If genetic tests for psychological disorders are developed, it isimportant that research is carried out into the psychological and behaviouraleffects of testing and ways of minimizing adverse effects, before such testsbecome widely available.