Precision Medicine
Advances in research and technology within healthcare have spurred a movement known as “precision medicine”, which is a more personalized approach to healthcare, taking into account individual characteristics like genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors to better tailor treatment towards each person’s unique needs.
Pharmacogenomic Testing
One example of precision medicine in psychiatry is the use of genetic testing known as “pharmacogenomic testing” to gain insight into how your body might metabolize and respond to certain medications to help guide more effective treatment. One of the more popular pharmacogenomic tests on the market (and the one that we offer at Calming Currents Psychiatry) is GeneSight.
GeneSight Testing
GeneSight testing includes obtaining a cheek swab (collected in clinic or at home with a mail order kit) which is then processed in a lab, with results generally returned to your provider within a few weeks. Results from this test help us understand how your genetics interact with psychotropic medications to impact how they are processed or metabolized by your body. These results do not tell us “this specific medication will fix all of their problems”, but rather helps to guide us in our decision-making process when selecting a medication for you. Results share insights such as whether you are more likely to need a smaller or larger dose of a medication to reach a therapeutic effect, or whether you may be more prone to developing side effects with a particular medication. We incorporate these results into our practice by using the results of this test as one “tool” in our toolbelt when considering options, taking into consideration your unique needs and circumstances.
Is Pharmacogenomic Testing Right for Me?
It’s no secret that finding the right medication in psychiatry can sometimes be a process. Common challenges that we encounter can include limited effectiveness of medications, side effects, high costs for newer treatment options, and sometimes having difficulty in solidifying a diagnosis to match with a medication. Many folks are lucky and find a medication right away that is both effective and tolerable for them in managing their symptoms. Some people however, end up having to try a couple of medications before finding the best option for them.
If you are someone that has tried a handful of medications with adequate trials and either had limited benefit or intolerable side effects, pharmacogenomic testing could be an option for you to consider to help further tailor your treatment and guide medication selection. Things to consider when determining whether your previous medication trials were “adequate” include whether you were on a therapeutic dose of your medication, whether you were on it for an appropriate amount of time to assess its full effects, and whether you took it consistently. If you are considering pursuing pharmacogenomic testing, it’s important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider to discuss your past medication trials, solidify diagnoses, and ensure that you have been matched to appropriate treatment for your condition.
At Calming Currents Psychiatry, we pride ourselves on taking a person-centered and holistic approach to care, including delivering an in-depth evaluation to better understand you, your history, and the unique context in which you live, so we can work together to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Tools like pharmacogenomic testing can help to further individualize your care. After completing an evaluation, we can help you decide whether pharmacogenomic testing makes sense for you.