You may have heard of genetic testing which has grown in public awareness in the past few years, largely due to two things: its clinical validation for a variety of conditions, including for mental health, and its affordability. But does it work, and is it affordable enough to make the cost worthwhile? Read on to learn more about what it’s used for, and the benefits and costs.
What Is Genetic Testing Used For?
Genetic testing has become much more available and affordable in recent years. Many new providers are entering the market. Using human DNA samples which are easily obtained with a cheek swab or blood sample, genetic tests identify changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins.
With the results, a trained medical professional can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition. Or, it can help decide a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. Results can also inform your healthcare provider about how you may respond to certain medications prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD, among others.
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) studies how an individual’s genetic makeup affects their response to drugs. It combines the study of drugs with the study of genes and their functions. The objective is to develop effective, safe medications and doses tailored to a person’s genetic profile.
The goal is to predict how a patient will:
- Respond to a specific drug
- Minimize adverse effects
- Maximize therapeutic efficiency
This is a key element of personalized medicine, enabling treatments to be customized for better health outcomes.
Cost of Genetic Testing for Mental Health
For mental health purposes, the cost of genetic testing varies with the provider, the type of test, and the scope of analysis.
It typically costs $300 to $600 for PGx tests for mental health conditions such as depression and ADHD. One well known test costs $330 or less for most patients. Insurance can potentially lower this further, especially under Medicare or Medicaid.
Comprehensive genetic testing can range from $100 to more than $2,000, but typically $1,000, depending on the nature and complexity of the test. For example, the cost may vary with the number of genes analyzed and whether other services, such as consultations, are included. The cost also increases if more than one test is needed and whether family members must be tested to obtain a meaningful result.
The exact cost of genetic testing depends on several factors, including:
- Purpose of the test
- How much of your genome is assessed
- Depth of analysis
- Medical consultation or test results review
Direct-to-consumer tests such as 23andMe typically start around $100 but may not provide detailed mental health insights.
Is Genetic Testing Worth It?
Benefits
Genetic testing for mental health offers several potential benefits
- Personalized treatment: PGx tests are very useful to help match patients with medications that have fewer side effects and are more effective, reducing trial-and-error in treatment.
- Improved outcomes: Patients using PGx for medication selection have greater improvement in symptoms and higher rates of remission in conditions like depression [1] [2].
- Cost savings: Genetic testing can reduce healthcare costs by preventing ineffective treatments and reducing hospitalizations [2].
- Lifetime utility: Because genetic test results don’t change, a single test can provide long-term benefits.
Limitations
- Insurance coverage is inconsistent and out-of-pocket costs can be significant [3].
- Genetic testing’s effectiveness in improving outcomes varies depending on individual circumstances and the condition being treated [1].
Genetic testing is valuable for customizing mental health treatments. Whether it’s worth the expense depends on individual needs, financial considerations, and the specific condition being treated.
Improving Mental Health in Utah
Treatment is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from trauma or PTSD, other mental health conditions, or addictions? Our licensed trauma-informed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of therapeutic and holistic techniques.
Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
Sources
[1] Richman M. 2022. Genetic testing may benefit patients with depression. Research Currents. US Department of Veterans Affairs.
[2] Lui Xia Lee. Genetic testing could greatly benefit patients with depression, save health system millions. UBC News.
[3] How much does direct-to-consumer genetic testing cost, and is it covered by health insurance? MedlinePlus.
