Genetic testing is a hot topic these days as it is enabling the rise of personalized, or precision medicine. The study of how a person’s unique genetic makeup influences their body’s response to medications is called pharmacogenomics or PGx.
A genetic test involves testing a simple cheek swab or blood sample to pinpoint changes in your DNA code that can influence your susceptibility to mental health conditions. The goal is to guide prescribing and help doctors select the drugs and doses best suited for each person.
The question of how accurate such tests can be for mental health is an active topic among scientists, clinicians, companies marketing genetic tests, and insurance companies. While there is promising potential, the accuracy and clinical usefulness of these tests are still limited.
While genetic factors play a role in mental health disorders, the relationship is complex and not well understood. Read on to learn more about this evolving field.
The Current State of Genetic Testing for Mental Health
Genetic testing for mental health medications has shown some promise. PGx testing can help identify how a person’s genetic makeup influences their response to drugs for mental health.
Researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada are using genetic testing to study how the four most relevant enzymes in the liver impact the effectiveness of certain psychiatric medications. Those who have mutations in these enzymes may experience adverse drug reactions, but if these are identified, doctors can prescribe alternate medications instead [1].
A clinical study at the Department of Veterans Affairs, showed PGx testing of drugs for those with major depressive disorder can help providers avoid prescribing antidepressant medications that may have undesirable outcomes.
The test doesn’t tell you whether a patient will respond to a drug or not. It tells how the patient metabolizes the medication, not whether it’s a good medication. Instead, it tells a medical practitioner whether to not prescribe a medication or to adjust the dose because the patient doesn’t metabolize it well [2].
The evidence does not yet support widespread use of PGx testing in clinical psychiatric practice, according to a 2019 report by the American Psychiatric Association [3].
Limitations and Challenges of Genetic Testing for Mental Health
The overall accuracy and clinical benefits of genetic testing for mental health remain limited. Several factors contribute to this [3]:
- Mental health disorders are complex and influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors.
- Genetic tests currently can’t accurately predict a person’s risk of developing a mental health disorder. Generally, genes determine just a small percentage of the risk of illness or response to medication.
- Age, lifestyle, general health, psychiatric symptoms, and severity, as well as co-occurring conditions, are typically more important factors in drug response.
The Potential of Genetic Testing for Mental Health
Despite these limitations, research and clinical studies are proceeding rapidly in this area and clinicians see significant potential for genetic testing for psychiatry. For example, a 2023 report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK recommends genetic testing for certain mental health conditions including dementia, schizophrenia and intellectual disabilities [4].
Psychiatrists believe that in the future, genetic tests may help identify those at risk for major psychiatric disorders and help in providing individualized treatment [3].
Current Recommendations for Genetic Testing for Mental Health
While genetic testing for mental health holds promise, it is not yet considered a standard part of psychiatric care.
The American Psychiatric Association Task Force concluded there is not enough evidence to support widespread use of pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice [3].
Some insurance companies have begun covering genetic tests for psychiatric drugs. However some researchers argue there is not enough evidence tying genetic variants to better outcomes for most psychiatric medications [5].
In summary, while genetic testing for mental health is an active area of research with potential future applications, its current accuracy and clinical utility remain limited. As research and clinical testing advance, testing may become a more valuable tool in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment planning.
Improving Mental Health in Utah
Treatment and transitional living 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.
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Sources
[1] Pullin J. 2022. For patients with mental health conditions, genetic testing may soon help physicians select the right drug. University of Alberta. Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.
[2] Richman M. 2022. Genetic testing may benefit patients with depression. Study yields positive results on accurate medication dosing. VA Research Currents.
[3] Genetic Testing to Improve Psychiatric Medication Choice. 2019. American Psychiatric Association.
[4] RC Psych. 2023. Groundbreaking new report recommends genetic testing for certain mental illnesses. Royal College of Psychiatrists UK.
[5] Dangor G. 2019. DNA Tests For Psychiatric Drugs Are Controversial But Some Insurers Are Covering Them. NPR.org.
