Table of Contents
Revolutionising Mental Health Treatment with genetic testing
Why there's such a range of responses to mental health medications
SSRIs and Other Antidepressants
Why do people get different side effects from SSRIs?
Anti-psychotics, Sleeping Pills, and Sedatives
ADHD Medications
Get the best from your treatment with Pgx testing and personalised prescribing
Revolutionising Mental Health Treatment with genetic testing
In the treatment of mental health conditions, there's no greater field of medicine where the battle to ensure the cure is not worse than the disease is more profound.
People with mental health concerns often put up with side effects from their medication that can have huge impacts on their lives and daily functioning.
When the aim is to improve mental health and quality of life, it's imperative that treatment options do not negatively wellbeing.
Why there's such a range of responses to mental health medications
There is an incredible diversity to human beings, not just in our personalities and experiences, but also in our individual genetic make-up. This diversity, encoded in our DNA, shapes us in countless ways – including how we respond to medications. Pharmacogenomics, the study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs, offers a groundbreaking approach to individualise treatment of mental health disorders.
Mental health medications, from antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs to ADHD medications and sleep aids, have historically been prescribed under a system of trial and error or "titration". A patient may try a range of drugs before finding right one at the right dose that mitigates their symptoms without intolerable side effects. This process can be both time-consuming, costly for healthcare services and emotionally draining for the patient.
Pharmacogenomics aims to streamline this process, offering potentially life-changing benefits for individuals receiving medication for mental health concerns.
SSRIs and Other Antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely prescribed antidepressants. They work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain cells. But these drugs do not have the same effect on everyone.
Some patients may not respond to certain SSRIs at all positively. While others may experience undesirable side effects. These can include:
Gastrointestinal issues
Headaches
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Insomnia
Agitation
Sexual problems
Weight gain or weight loss
Visual disturbances
Excessive sweating
In the Electronic Medicines Compendium, section 4.8 outlines the most common undesirable effects of the most commonly prescribed SSRI sertraline.
Why do people get different side effects?
We now know that variations in several genes can influence SSRIs' effectiveness. Studies have shown an important enzyme (proteins that control metabolism) called CYP2D6 affects your body’s ability to metabolise many SSRIs and other antidepressants. By analysing your genes to discover how much or how little CYP2D6 activity you have, pharmacogenomics can guide healthcare professionals to identify the most effective and well-tolerated antidepressants for you.
There’s also evidence that certain enzyme genes are responsible for causing weight gain when you take SSRIs – so important to understand when patients with depression have a 58% increased risk of developing obesity.
Anti-psychotics, Sleeping Pills, and Sedatives
Anti-psychotics, sleeping pills, and sedatives help manage symptoms of various mental health conditions but their tolerance also varies with your genetics.
ADHD Medications
Finally, let’s talk about ADHD medications. The growing incidence of adult ADHD diagnoses means these drugs are being used far more commonly than ever. Most ADHD medications are either stimulants - like lisdexamphetamine or methylphenidate – or non-stimulants like atomoxetine or guanfacine.
These drugs must be carefully managed to prevent side effects like insomnia, high blood pressure and heartrate disturbances and loss of appetite leading to malnutrition.
When it comes to atomoxetine, the same CYP2D6 enzyme activity that we discussed above is relevant to how this drug is metabolised. Just by understanding your particular variant of this specific gene, we can provide guidance and recommendations.
Get the best from your treatment with PGx testing and personalised prescribing
The goal of pharmacogenomic testing isn’t to replace traditional psychiatric assessments, but to complement them — providing your healthcare team with additional information to help choose the most suitable medication for you.
Pharmacogenomics can provide a beacon of hope for those navigating the often-tumultuous journey of medicated mental health treatment. The insights gained can help you and your healthcare team make informed decisions, potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes and quality of life. Medgene Precision Health is here to facilitate this transformative journey towards personalised, precision medication and improved mental well-being.
Contact us to book your free 20-minute consultation and start your journey towards better health. Alternatively, click the button below to book your consultation online.
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