Pharmacogenomic testing provides your doctor with information to tailor your prescription medications to your unique genetic makeup. For clients experiencing poor mental health, this testing can be incredibly valuable. It provides insight into how your body might respond to specific medications, whether you might experience side effects, or if a certain medication may not work as well for you. By understanding these genetic factors, your treating doctor can select medications that are more likely to be effective and cause fewer side effects.
For those considering medications as part of their mental health care plan, this personalised approach can lead to better outcomes and a more comfortable treatment experience.
If you’d like more information on accessing testing, click here.
If you’d like to know more about how testing is helpful, read on.
Pharmacogenomic testing focuses on the relationship between a person’s genes and how their body processes medications. Our genetic makeup influences the production of enzymes that are responsible for metabolising medications. For instance, CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, two enzymes involved in drug metabolism in the liver, can vary significantly between individuals. Some people might have versions of these enzymes that metabolise certain medications very quickly, while others might process the same medications much more slowly.
When a medication is metabolised too quickly, it may not have enough time to exert its therapeutic effects, leading to inadequate symptom control. Conversely, if the medication is broken down too slowly, it can accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of side effects or toxicity.
Pharmacogenomic testing identifies genetic variations of the enzymes required for the metabolism of specific medications, allowing your doctor to predict these responses.
For example, in treating depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, your doctor may recommend an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). However, the effectiveness and tolerability of these medications can vary widely between individuals. Pharmacogenomic testing can guide your treating doctor or psychiatrist in the selection of the most appropriate medication, dose, or even suggest alternatives, reducing the trial-and-error approach that can be frustrating for both patients and practitioners.
Pharmacogenomic testing also helps explain why two patients with similar diagnoses might respond very differently to the same medication. It moves your healthcare team toward a more precise and personalised approach to your mental health care, potentially improving adherence to treatment and leading to faster, more stable therapeutic outcomes.
If you are considering taking medications for your mental health, we encourage you to speak to your medical doctor about the value of undergoing pharmacogenomic testing, as the information obtained from these tests can enhance the overall efficacy of psychopharmacological interventions and provide your healthcare team with a more comprehensive understanding of your unique physiological profile.
About the Author: Felicia McQueen is a Certified Practicing Nutritionist (CPN). CPNs are trained to assess and provide guidance on how nutritional status and biochemistry can influence health, including interactions between nutrition and medications. Felicia aims to provide clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions in collaboration with their healthcare providers. The intention of this article is to provide education about how genetic factors – revealed through pharmacogenomic testing – may influence response to medications, including nutrient-drug interactions. Clients are encouraged to discuss the value of pharmacogenomic testing with their treating doctor.
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