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Genetic testing provides information about your genetic makeup and analyzes DNA to identify genes, proteins, and mutations that influence how the body works. In mental health care, the information gained from genetic testing offers insights into how your body may process psychiatric medications. This enables them to make informed decisions about your treatment options and recommend treatments that fit your needs. Here are some ways genetic testing influences treatment plans:
Assesses Medication Response
Your genetic profile influences how you respond to different medications. Pharmacogenomic testing examines particular genes that affect the metabolism and effectiveness of psychiatric drugs. Some gene variations play a role in how your body breaks down common antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other medications used in mental health treatment.
Genetic results such as “poor metabolizer” or “ultrarapid metabolizer” indicate how efficiently your liver enzymes metabolize medication. A poor metabolizer processes medication more slowly than average, which may lead to higher drug concentrations in the bloodstream and a greater risk of side effects. Someone identified as an ultrarapid metabolizer typically breaks down medication quickly, which might mean that standard doses won’t have the intended effect. Using this information enables your provider to select medications that match your personal biology, potentially improving outcomes.
Predicts Side Effects
Genetic information also helps predict your likelihood of experiencing side effects from a medication. If your genetic makeup causes your body to process a drug slowly, higher drug concentrations can accumulate. This may make you more vulnerable to adverse reactions, such as:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Increased anxiety
Those who metabolize drugs quickly might be less likely to face some side effects, but could have different risks. This foresight helps your provider develop a treatment strategy that accounts for your unique response. If genetic results suggest you’re at risk for severe side effects with a particular mood stabilizer, your provider might choose an alternative option or monitor your reaction more closely. This aims to avoid medication trial-and-error, which can be time-consuming.
Determines Dosage
Finding the right medication dosage is central to an effective mental health treatment plan. Standard dosing protocols are often based on clinical trials and population averages, but these do not always align with an individual’s needs. Genetic testing provides your provider with data to help calibrate medication doses from the beginning. If you metabolize an antidepressant faster than average, a standard dose may be too low to have an effect. If you metabolize it slowly, a moderate dose might be too strong and cause unexpected side effects. Providers often start with a standard dosage, then adjust it based on how you respond over time. With genetic data, the need for multiple dose adjustments may be reduced, as risks and potential responses are identified early in the process. This approach supports a more tailored plan that responds to your body’s specific characteristics, saving time and reducing discomfort.
Get Personalized Mental Health Treatment With Genetic Testing
Genetic testing helps personalize mental health care by supplying scientific data about your individual response to medication. Your provider can assess medication response, anticipate potential side effects, and tailor dosage recommendations based on your genetics. To learn more about how genetic testing may fit into your treatment plan, contact a mental health provider today.
