Genetic testing can not only provide information about your ethnic origin and ancestral history but it can also be used to find the right medication based on your genetic profile. Research has shown significant evidence that certain genes and gene variations are associated with medication metabolism. So what is genetic testing and how can it help you? Read to learn more about genetic testing for mental illness.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing analyzes your genetic structure to see if any alterations or variations in the genes can affect how your body responds to the medication. After understanding the genetic profile that can impact CYP450 enzymes, mental health providers can select the most suitable medications for each patient.
With genetic testing, mental health providers can determine which drugs can potentially cause the most side effects and which drugs will provide the most benefits based on your DNA.
Genetic testing is quick and easy to perform. There are several methods for genetic testing, such as using a cotton swab on the inside of the cheek and giving a saliva sample to collect DNA. These methods can produce results within 7 to 10 days. The process is easy to complete and can be done from the comfort of your home.
How Do Genes Determine Mental Health Disorders?
Your DNA test will be sent to a lab where it will be analyzed for unique biomarkers associated with medications. These unique biomarkers, or “pharmacogenetic markers,” help determine which medications are best for treating the patient’s mental health condition. Finding the right medication is a common problem for people who have been prescribed new drug treatment, often having to try several different medications to find the right one. Genetic testing can help avoid this painful process, allowing a person’s medication to be personalized and their symptoms to be treated more effectively.
Advantages of Genetic Testing
Knowing a person’s genetic makeup can give medical providers the information they need to efficiently prescribe a medication that is likely to be most effective for their patients. Each psychiatric case is unique, and affected individuals require different medications and dosages. Genetic testing not only guides providers to the best medications but also helps them avoid medications that cause adverse effects.
Choose ClarityX Home Test Kits
ClarityX believes that there is no one size fits all and that everyone deserves individualized medication treatments. We offer convenient at-home genetic testing that is accessible to everyone. Take your well-being into your own hands today. Contact ClarityX to learn more.
