Introduction
Mental illnesses and diseases are common. Mental illness has been shown to be one of the largest health concerns in the United States. Over 50% of people are diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime. Each year, one in five people is diagnosed with a psychiatric illness; and as many as one in twenty-five people are living with a serious psychiatric disorder.
Stereotypes often prevent patients from obtaining the care they both need and desire. Each year there are over 45,000 suicides, representing 14 people out of every 100,000. Treating mental illness as the disease it is rather than stigmatizing or avoiding it prevents unnecessary pain and anguish and can extend lives. Knowing how to best treat your disorder saves time and money. Get back to the life you deserve.
Examples of mental illnesses
- Anxiety
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
Treatments for mental health conditions may include:
- cognitive behavior therapy
- ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)
- EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
- exercise
- hospitalization
- meditation
- prescription medicine
Potential Mental Health Medication Types
- Antidepressant med
- Antipsychotic medication
- Anxiolytics (anti-anxiety)
- Hypnotics (sleep inducing)
- Mood stabilizers
- Stimulants
Medications that treat mental health also affect our bodies. Each medication comes with a potential list of side effects or warnings. Knowing ahead of time how a medicine may act in your body with a pharmacogenetic test can help you and your physician choose a medication with a better potential of helping and fewer issues.
What is genetic testing for medication effectiveness?
The cells in our body contain our genetic information. This information is categorized into different genes. The genes are then used to make the proteins and enzymes that run our bodies. Just like each of us looks different on the outside, we also have different genetics. With a simple cheek swab, you can know how your genetics affect the medicines that you take.
Avoid Trial and Error
Testing your genes and how they affect your medicine can reduce the time it takes to find the best medication for you. Not only does this reduce the potential for side effects, but it also saves money, reduces hospitalizations, and helps a person to feel better quicker. Using the right med first leads to better adherence and therefore better control of your disorder, and a better relationship with your provider. It is no longer necessary to go through multiple trials of medicine.
You may want to test your pharmacogenetics if:
- You have received a recent diagnosis that may require medication therapy.
- You have started a new medication treatment.
- You take multiple medications.
- You feel your treatment is ineffective.
Where to get a genetic test for your medications?
ClarityX offers the Mindwell test. This test checks how more than 130 FDA-approved mental health medications may be affected by your specific genes. With a test you can do from home, you can be an active participant in your care. Knowing how your body may react and which medications may work best for you can help you and your doctor find the best possible system to help you feel better again.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mental-health.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination
