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Although genetic knowledge related to sudden arrhythmia death syndromes (SADS) has enhanced risk prediction and treatment, it is challenging to assess genetic literacy of individual patients and families. To address this, participants attending the 2015 SADS conference were asked to complete a survey measuring general knowledge of genes and heredity. Correct responses averaged 85 ± 9% with correct responses of ≥ 80% for 17 of 21 questions. However, attitudes toward genetic testing varied markedly. These results suggest that understanding motivations or disincentives to pursue genetic testing is as important as enhancing genetic knowledge for providing effective treatments for SADS.

Mania is a mood disorder characteristic of certain psychiatric conditions and is exhibited by high energy, elevated mood, irritability, insomnia, and pressured speech. Though commonly attributed to bipolar and schizoaffective disorders, mania may be precipitated by other non-psychiatric conditions, including substance abuse, medications, metabolic disturbance, and organic brain pathology. Steroid-induced mania is not uncommon and may present with a number of psychiatric symptoms. Brain tumors presenting with predominantly psychiatric symptoms are a relatively uncommon cause of mania and may persist or recede with treatment. A case of mania in a cancer patient with brain metastasis and steroid use, with no prior history of mania, is discussed herein.