Genetic Testing

What it is

Medication reactions vary widely from person to person when it comes to mental health treatment. It can be discouraging to start taking a depression or anxiety medication and find that your symptoms are getting worse. Sadly, this lack of response is common in mental health treatment; studies show that 31-48% of children on antidepressants may not respond to the medication, and about two-thirds of people with depression do not fully recover with their initial medication.

Benefits

Pharmacogenetics, also known as pharmacogenomics (PGx), is the scientific field behind genetic testing for medications. It explores how drugs interact with our genetic makeup, specifically the study of the human genome. The Genomind Pharmacogenetic Test examines specific genes that may impact prescription choices and dosage recommendations for conditions like ADHD, depression, and other mental health issues. By identifying unique genetic markers that define you as an individual, this test helps healthcare providers determine which treatments are more likely to be beneficial or have adverse effects.

Pharmacokinetics refers to how the body metabolizes and processes medications, while pharmacodynamics explores how drugs interact with specific targets in the body. By considering these factors, clinicians can gain insights into the optimal treatment approach for an individual. Genetic testing in mental health provides valuable information that can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

However, it is important to remember that genetic testing is just one tool in the larger context of personalized medicine. The test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional who takes into account your comprehensive clinical assessment and individual needs.

Pharmacokinetic Effects

Certain enzymes control how quickly your body breaks down drugs, especially in the liver. This process can have a big impact on how you are treated:

  • If a medicine is quickly metabolized by your body, you could not benefit fully from it and might need to take a higher dosage.
  • On the other hand, if your body metabolizes drugs slowly, you can experience side effects or toxicity and need to take your medicine at a reduced dosage or look into other possibilities.

Understanding how your body processes medications can inform personalized treatment decisions, says Jay Fawver, MD, a psychiatrist at Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Genomind, for example, analyzes six genes responsible for enzymes that degrade a significant portion of all drugs. Genetic testing can provide valuable insights into these metabolic effects.

Pharmacodynamic Effects

Your physician can customize prescription recommendations to meet your specific needs by knowing your unique genetic composition in these important areas. Genetic variations can also help forecast how a given medicine will effect your body.