People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often worry uncontrollably about events in daily life. If you have been prescribed a drug for GAD, you may have gone through a lengthy process of trial and error, as many do, before finding the most appropriate medication. To ensure that patients receive the right treatment, doctors who prescribe psychiatric drugs are increasingly relying on genetic testing. Genetic testing for anxiety disorder saves you the trouble of testing medications and informs your doctor of the most appropriate treatment to match your genetic profile. Read on to learn more about genetic testing for psychiatric medications.
The Field of Pharmacogenetics
Pharmacogenetics involves examining a patient’s genes to determine the most appropriate psychiatric medication. Each person has a unique set of genes, and this variability affects how a person’s body metabolizes different types of medications. For example, some people can break down medications quickly, while others take longer to process them. This knowledge also helps doctors prescribe the right dose for patients. Adverse reactions can occur if a high concentration of medication remains in the body because the patient does not metabolize it properly.
Advantages of Genetic Testing
The main advantage of pharmacogenetic testing is that it allows the patient to find the medication that is right for them, rather than having the doctor test them for a number of medications. The waiting time for patients becomes shorter so they can receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Knowing how well different medications are tolerated also reduces side effects and prevents life-threatening side effects. Your doctor can customize treatment for anxiety, which also provides an economic benefit by saving time and money spent on unhelpful medications.
How Genetic Testing Works
Similar to tests used to determine ethnicity, genetic testing uses a saliva sample that is sent to a lab for analysis. Other tests may require other types of samples, such as a blood sample. Experts will examine your DNA sample and prepare a report on how you respond to various psychiatric drugs and whether you are likely to have side effects. All of this depends on your genetic profile and how your body might metabolize the drugs.
You can benefit greatly from pharmacogenetic testing to find out which medications are a good fit for you and your body. The most commonly used medications for anxiety disorders are escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor), and alprazolam (Xanax). All these medications are supported by pharmacogenomic data that can help doctors to prescribe the most appropriate therapies for their patients based on their genetics.
Choose ClarityX for Genetic Testing
ClarityX believes that everyone should have individualized treatment. If you would like to take a genetic test, we offer easy and accessible testing options that you can do right in your own home. Our Mindwell test covers over 130 psychiatric medications and includes a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, and can help you make more informed decisions about your health. All orders are reviewed by a licensed, independent physician, and shipping to our lab is always included. Contact us today and take control of your health.
