Is Pharmacogenetic Testing Right for You? A Personalized Approach to Mental Health Treatment
- mark kranz
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Is Pharmacogenetic Testing Right for You? A Personalized Approach to Mental Health Treatment
Written by Miriam Lowery, APRN, PMHNP-BC
When it comes to mental health, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—especially when choosing the right medication. If you’ve ever felt frustrated with the trial-and-error process of finding something that actually helps, you’re not alone. That’s where pharmacogenetic testing comes in, offering a more personalized approach to treatment.
At KPS, we use a leading test called GeneSight to help tailor medication choices based on your unique genetic makeup. Let’s explore what that means, how it works, and whether it might be a helpful tool on your mental health journey.
🔬 What Is Pharmacogenetic Testing?
Pharmacogenetic testing looks at how your genes influence your body’s response to medications—specifically psychiatric (or psychotropic) drugs. This test can be incredibly helpful in guiding treatment for conditions such as:
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
ADHD
Schizophrenia
By understanding how your body metabolizes certain medications, your provider can make more informed decisions about what might work best for you.
🧠 How the Testing Process Works
The process is simple and non-invasive. Here’s what to expect:
Sample Collection
Two quick cheek swabs—done right in your provider’s office or even from the comfort of your home.
Genetic Analysis
The sample heads to the lab, where scientists analyze key genes that affect how your body processes psychiatric medications.
Receive Your Personalized Report
Medications are categorized into three groups based on your genetics:
✅ Use as Directed
⚠️ Moderate Gene-Drug Interaction
❌ Significant Gene-Drug Interaction
Discuss Results with Your Provider
Together, you and your provider can review the report and decide on a treatment plan that’s better aligned with your biology.
💊 Why Consider Pharmacogenetic Testing?
This kind of testing offers some meaningful benefits, especially if you’ve struggled with finding the right medication:
More Personalized Treatment
Avoid drugs that might be less effective—or cause unwanted side effects—based on your genetic profile.
Quicker Relief
Reduces the often lengthy trial-and-error period so you can start feeling better, faster.
Fewer Side Effects
Helps minimize adverse reactions by identifying medications that your body may not tolerate well.
Empowered Decision-Making
Gives both you and your provider more clarity when selecting medications that are most likely to work for you.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
Pharmacogenetic testing is a powerful tool—but it's not a crystal ball. Here are a few important considerations:
It’s not a diagnosis: The test won’t tell you what mental health condition you have, but it can inform how to treat it.
It’s not the whole picture: Genetics is just one piece of the puzzle. Environment, lifestyle, other medications, and medical history still matter.
Insurance coverage varies: Some plans cover the test, others don’t. Be sure to check with your insurer about potential out-of-pocket costs.
Not every medication is tested: The test focuses on the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications.
📘 Who Might Benefit Most?
Pharmacogenetic testing can be especially useful if:
You’ve tried multiple medications without much success
You’ve experienced intense side effects from psychiatric drugs
You’re starting treatment and want to make more informed choices from the start
If you’re curious whether pharmacogenetic testing might be right for you, talk to your provider. At KPS, we’re here to help you find the most effective path forward—one that’s uniquely tailored to you.
📘 References
GeneSight. (n.d.). How GeneSight Works. Retrieved from https://genesight.com
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Pharmacogenomics: What it is and why it’s important.- American Psychiatric Association. (2022).
Guidelines on the Use of Pharmacogenomic Testing in Psychiatric Practice.
