Guest Blog: Precision Psychiatry - Your Genes & Medication
“A personalized treatment journey tailored to your needs and goals.”
At my practice, Namaste Psychiatry, I utilize a quick and effortless DNA Psychotropic Testing called Genesight, with the goal of optimizing psychiatric medication selection, minimizing the trial-and-error approach often seen in psychiatric medication management, and improving client outcomes by reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions or ineffectiveness of medications.
Genesight is a brand of pharmacogenomic testing that specifically focuses on psychotropic medications. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual's genetic makeup influences their response to medications. GeneSight DNA Psychotropic Testing is designed to provide psychiatric healthcare providers with insights into how a client’s genetics may affect their response to psychiatric medications, particularly those used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health disorders.
GeneSight DNA Psychotropic Testing works by analyzing a client’s genetic make-up and then comprising a report that is emailed to the provider who then shares this information with the client. A client's DNA is analyzed to identify genetic variations in certain genes that are known to impact how the body metabolizes and responds to specific psychiatric medications. These genes are often related to enzymes and receptors involved in the pharmacokinetics (how the body processes the drug) and pharmacodynamics (how the drug affects the body) of psychotropic drugs.
The test is composed of a swab kit that is mailed to the client’s home. The client simply swabs the inside of the mouth and returns the swab in the provided postage-paid envelope. Once the sample is returned to Genesight, it takes approximately 1-2 weeks for the analysis to be completed.
The GeneSight test currently analyzes 57 neuropsychiatric medications and 12 genes and the test has a precision of 100% in detecting the genes themselves (Pyzocha, 2021). Based on the genetic analysis, the GeneSight report provides recommendations regarding which psychotropic medications may be more or less likely to be effective for my client, as well as information about potential side effects and tolerability.
Armed with this genetic information, I am then able to make more informed decisions when prescribing psychiatric medications. I can then select medications that are more likely to be a good fit for the client based on their genetic profile, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes and reduced risk of adverse effects.
Reference:
Pyocha, Natasha (2021). GeneSight Psychotropic Genetic Testing for Psychiatric Medication Selection. Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(1):89-90. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0700/p89.html?utm_soc=twitter&utm_prof=afpjournal
Gillian Jackman is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with over 16 years of experience in the field.
