Genesight Testing: Utilizing DNA for Medication Choice
By: Summer Stafford, Community Wellness agent
Over 17 million adults and children in the U.S. are medicated for anxiety, ADHD, and other depressive disorders. Choosing the right medications can be a long and difficult process that often leads to many dead-ends and unused medications that didn’t quite work. But there are better ways of walking this path and helping you or your loved one get the right medication that fits their needs best and gives them the least adverse reactions. When my child was diagnosed with ADHD and needed medication, we didn’t know where to start and had to utilize a basic “trial-and-error” system that led us to try multiple medications that did not work and gave terrible side effects. A few years into the arduous process we were introduced to the GeneSight test by our new Nurse Practitioner, and it changed everything we knew about searching for the right and best medication. We found through the test report that medications that had not worked in the past were not genetically compatible for our child and were able to see a comprehensive list of medications that were better suited for the genetic needs of our child. It was a life-altering tool in the best way possible!
GeneSight Psychotropic Testing
GeneSight testing is a fantastic new option for those seeking the right intervention medication to help live a full and productive life. This psychotropic test is a genetic test that analyzes how a person’s DNA may affect their response to certain medications and how well (or not) their body will metabolize those medication choices. It is a simple cheek swab that is sent to GeneSight labs for analysis. Thereafter you will receive a report with a comprehensive list of common medications used to treat anxiety, depression, ADHD and several other disorders. The report shows the medications and gives a graphic of whether each drug is to be used as directed, has a moderate gene-drug interaction, or a significant gene-drug interaction.
The Facts about GeneSight Testing
The test can help doctors:
- Select the right medication for a patient
- Avoid medications that may cause side effects
- Personalize a patient’s treatment plan
The test may reveal which medications to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions that:
- Require dose adjustments
- Be less likely to work
- Have an increased risk of side effects based on your DNA
How it’s done
A healthcare provider or nurse practitioner orders the test, which involves taking a cheek swab. The sample can be taken in the provider’s office or at home using a patient collection kit. (GeneSight Website)
How long it takes
Test results are typically available on the GeneSight portal within two days of the lab receiving the sample. (GeneSight Website)
Cost
The cost of the test can vary depending on insurance coverage, but it can be expensive. There are also payment plans and financial aid opportunities available. (GeneSight Website)
There is no doubt that this new, comprehensive information can ease the stress of choosing the correct medication and giving people more of their time back. We all know many people with anxiety, depression, ADHD and more, that struggle with severe negative side-effects of daily medications they need to live fully. This testing technology can help understand the risks of taking certain medications that may or may not meet their needs on a genetic level, helping them choose the right medicine much faster and feeling fewer negative side-effects and decreasing the risk of having to try a new medication due to medication failure.
For more comprehensive information on GeneSight testing visit https://genesight.com/
