Pharmacogenomic testing provides a new twist on personalized medication management. At Wholesome Psychiatry LLC, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Dorothy Borkiewicz, PMHNP-BC, LMHC, uses this advanced type of testing to identify variations in your genes that affect your response to psychiatric medications. Pharmacogenomic testing can help make sure you get the right medication, in the right dosage, with as few side effects as possible. Call the South Boston office in Boston, Massachusetts, or click the online scheduler now.
What is pharmacogenomic testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing analyzes how your genes may affect your response to medications. This type of testing is specifically designed to assess potential responses to drugs that commonly treat mental conditions.
I have depression. Do I need pharmacogenomic testing?
If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or another psychiatric condition, pharmacogenomic testing can help direct your treatment path. It solves two of the most common problems that people encounter when seeking pharmacological treatment for depression, including:
- Choosing the right medication
With conditions like depression, there are so many treatment options that it’s often hard to find the ideal medication the first time. That leads to many patients trying several different antidepressants before they find the one that works for them.
- Getting results quickly
Antidepressants take up to eight weeks before you see the full effect. That could leave you with unresolved depression symptoms for weeks, months, or longer. And, repeating that process by trying multiple drugs in succession extends your symptoms even longer.
Pharmacogenomic testing can help you get the best antidepressant for your specific body the first time, so you struggle less and feel better faster. When treatment decisions are guided by pharmacogenomic testing, patients have the best chance of getting the right medication and experiencing positive results.
How does pharmacogenomic testing work?
Wholesome Psychiatry LLC uses pharmacogenomic testing from industry leaders at Assurex Health. Their GeneSight® test analyzes clinically significant genetic variations in your DNA, looking closely at eight particular genes involved in medication use and response. These variations can influence how drugs work in your body.
Comparing your genetic information with the characteristics of the most commonly prescribed drugs for mental health disorders, such as antidepressants, can reveal important information, such as:
- How you’ll respond to the drug
- How your body will metabolize the drug (which can guide dosage)
- Whether you’re likely to have side effects like weight gain
GeneSight is a saliva test. It requires only a quick swab of your inner cheek. Your provider can collect the sample at the Wholesome Psychiatry LLC office, or you can do the test at home and bring it to the office.
Pharmacogenomic testing is helping patients with depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions to enjoy better and faster treatment responses. To learn more about how it can work for you, call the Wholesome Psychiatry LLC office or book your appointment online today.