What Is Psychopharmacogenetic Testing?

Finding the right psychiatric medication can sometimes involve trial and error. A medication that works well for one person may cause unwanted side effects or provide limited relief for someone else. Psychopharmacogenetic testing provides another source of information your provider can use when making medication decisions.

This type of genetic testing looks for variations in your DNA that may influence how your body processes or responds to certain psychiatric medications. Your results can provide the team at Americas TMS Center with additional insight when developing or adjusting your treatment plan.

Americas TMS Center offers pharmacogenetic testing options such as GeneSight® and PRISM to help support a more personalized approach to psychiatric medication management.

When Might Genetic Testing for Psychiatric Medications Be Helpful?

Your genes are only one of many factors that influence your response to medication. Your age, overall health, other medications, lifestyle, diagnosis, and previous treatment experiences can also affect your results.

Psychopharmacogenetic testing may be worth considering when you:

• Have tried several psychiatric medications without adequate improvement
• Experience significant medication side effects
• Have difficulty tolerating certain medications
• Are starting a new psychiatric medication
• Need an adjustment to your current treatment
• Have a history of unexpected medication responses
• Want additional information to guide your treatment plan

Testing doesn't diagnose a mental health disorder or identify one medication that's guaranteed to work. Instead, it provides information your provider can consider alongside your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals.

What Are GeneSight and PRISM?

GeneSight

GeneSight is a pharmacogenomic test designed specifically to provide information about medications commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions. It analyzes genetic variations that may affect how you metabolize or respond to certain medications.

Your GeneSight report organizes medications according to potential gene-drug interactions and provides information that may help your provider determine whether certain medications could require dosage adjustments, have an increased risk of side effects, or be less likely to produce the intended response.

PRISM

PRISM is another pharmacogenetic testing option available at Americas TMS Center. Your provider can determine which testing approach is most appropriate based on your needs and treatment history.

What Should I Expect From Psychopharmacogenetic Testing?

Testing is straightforward and typically requires a DNA sample collected with a cheek swab. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it's analyzed for relevant genetic variations.

Once your results are available, your provider reviews them with you and explains how they may relate to psychiatric medications. Rather than replacing your provider's clinical judgment, your genetic results become another piece of information they can use to personalize your care.

Depending on your results, symptoms, and treatment history, the team may recommend continuing your current medication, adjusting the dose, considering another medication, or exploring additional treatment options.

Learn More About Psychopharmacogenetic Testing

If you've struggled to find a psychiatric medication that works well for you, psychopharmacogenetic testing may provide useful information for your next steps.

Call Americas TMS Center or schedule an appointment online to learn more about GeneSight, PRISM, and personalized mental health treatment.