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Medication Comparison

Concerta® Vs Ritalin®: Why Take One or the Other?

People who have been diagnosed with ADHD may use certain anti-ADHD agents such as Concerta or Ritalin to help manage their symptoms. Learn more about each of these medications and how genetic testing for ADHD may help you determine which one is right for you. Concerta vs Ritalin Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects an estimated 4-5% of US adults and 6 million children, making it one of the most common mental health conditions in the country.1 Medications such as Concerta an

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Anxiety

How to Tell if You Have ADHD or Anxiety

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Anxiety are two of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in both children and adults. Over 6 million children in the US and about 4%-5% of US adults are reported to have ADHD diagnoses. While the numbers for anxiety diagnoses (over 40 million adults in the U.S. experience anxiety disorders) tend to be higher, it is important to bear in mind that there are several different forms of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, experiencing fee

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Anxiety

5 Different Types Of Anxiety Disorders Explained

Many people use the term “anxiety” to describe feelings of discomfort, worry, or unease about a situation. While that type of anxiety is valid, anxiety disorders are a bit different. A diagnosed anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which individuals may respond to certain situations with feelings of fear, dread, and panic. There are also physical symptoms of anxiety disorders, some of which include a pounding heart, sweating, sleep problems, shortness of breath, and more. There are s

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ADHD

7 Common ADHD Myths & Misconceptions Debunked

Many common myths and misconceptions exist about attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD). Despite over 6.1 million children being diagnosed with ADHD in the US, some people still believe that ADHD is not a real condition. Not only do the myths about ADHD contribute to stigma around the disorder, but they can also be detrimental to those seeking treatment for ADHD. We’re here to debunk some of the most common myths and misconceptions about ADHD. Gain clarity by finding out what is fact an

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Depression

Understanding Depression: Diagnosis, DNA Testing & Treatment

When you’re feeling down, it’s normal to say things like “I feel depressed.” However, there’s a strong difference between feeling momentarily depressed and having depression. One is a temporary emotion brought on by a certain event — the other is an ongoing feeling of hopelessness and dread. Everybody feels sad every now and then — it’s normal to be depressed when something upsetting happens, such as a job loss, traumatic incident, or death. However, if you experience consistent, daily depressi

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ADHD

The Negative Consequences Of Untreated ADHD In Adults

ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a disorder that can cause very significant problems for the adult sufferer when left untreated. Many of these symptoms can result in difficulties in retaining employment, sustaining relationships, and handling many other facets of life. Additionally, when ADHD becomes comorbid, meaning that the sufferer has another mental disorder like anxiety at the same time, life becomes even more difficult for them. Many adults who have ADHD don’t get the r

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ADHD

What You Need To Know About Adult ADHD

It’s common for people to develop misconceptions about attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – that it only affects children and not adults. However, adults too can be diagnosed with the disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it’s reported that approximately 4.4 percent of adults could have ADHD. Adults who have ADHD typically see vastly different and less obvious symptoms compared to a child. Here’s all the essential information you need to know ab

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Anxiety

Why is My Anxiety Medication Causing Side Effects?

In general, it’s not unusual for medications to come with a myriad of potential adverse reactions after their consumption, especially for medications that target anxiety, also known as anxiolytics. They have a range of side effects that include fatigue, slowing mental functioning, and sleepiness. Whether these medications would cause addiction will depend on their class. Here is a comprehensive guide on anxiety medication, its side effects, and possible causes. Common Classes of Anxiety Medica

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Medication

How Does DNA Testing For Medication Work?

Pharmacogenetics testing (DNA Testing) is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to medications. Genetic testing is used by medical providers who prescribe prescription medications. Recent studies have shown that analyzing genes can provide important information such as whether certain medications will work best for an individual. Having this information helps doctors tailor a more effective treatment plan for their patients. Read on to find out how DNA testing for medications can ben

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ADHD

Can Genetic Testing Help Find The Right ADHD Medications?

Conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are complex, and both medical providers and patients have a difficult time finding the most appropriate medication for their case. However, extensive research has shown that this process can be simplified by taking a pharmacogenetic test. With just a saliva sample, a doctor may be able to determine the right ADHD medication with a significantly lower risk of side effects. In the emerging field of pharmacogenetics, studies show th

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ADHD

What To Know About ADHD Genetic Testing For Medications

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people around the world. Mental health conditions are complex and often vary in symptoms and severity, costing doctors and patients a lot of time trying to find the right medication for treatment. In recent years, genetic testing for ADHD medications has become one of the tools doctors use in finding the right treatment option. A person’s gene expression provides information about how well a particular drug is metabolized in the

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Medication

What is Pharmacogenomic Testing?

Pharmacogenomic testing may sound complicated, but the process is actually very simple. This type of testing is typically recommended if you have been experiencing bad side effects with a medication or if it doesn’t seem to be working despite having been on it for some time. Pharmacogenetic testing provides clinicians with an important diagnostic tool that can help them make more precise decisions about patients’ medications. The implementation of pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice may

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Depression

The Skyrocketing Use Of Antidepressants In Older Adults

With the ongoing global pandemic, many people are isolated from their families, friends, and the rest of the world. This can be challenging for older adults for a variety of reasons, including unfamiliarity with staying in touch with others through online platforms or shrinking social circles as they age. A study carried out by the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging found that 43 percent of adults (age 50 or above) experienced moderate to high levels of symptoms of depression at the start of C

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Anxiety

Understanding Genetic Testing For Psychiatric Medications For GAD

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

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Medication

DNA Testing For Psychiatric Medication: How Does It Work?

With the prevalence of mental illnesses today and the painful process of the trial and error approach when it comes to psychiatric medication, you may be wondering if there’s a better way you can tell which types of medication will work best for you. Here is where DNA testing for psychiatric medication comes in. Also known as pharmacogenetic testing, this genetic test uses a simple saliva sample to provide insights into whether a specific type of psychiatric medication will work for you or tell

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