A Genetic Test To Suggest Which Meds Will Work Best

[a3a2]

At a psych appointment yesterday, I was told about a new genetic test that looks at your DNA to see how your body will process different types of medications. It recommends which types of medications are more likely to work for each individual.

The test is done with a simple cheek swab. While the test is not covered by insurance, it has a financial assistance program making the cost of the test based on your income. For me, I felt the cost was quite reasonable.

I will get the results in about a week and a half, I am told. Does anyone else have experience with this? The company is GeneSight.

 

[Queen Boudica]

I knew I'd heard or read about that. I didn't think it was fully developed or proven yet. What evidence is there that this works? Is there research out there?

 

[twinkle30]

That sounds wonderful. I am going to look it up and give that info to my psych. I see him Friday.

 

[PTSDbegone]

I did the test as part of a clinical trial about 2 years ago. I haven't heard anything about it since. I'm in Toronto, Canada. Could be different here.

 

[Chincho]

My psychiatrist told me about it. The price in my country is exorbitant and it is not covered by health insurance.

 

[Queen Boudica]

If it is proven then you would have thought they would pay for it, since it should save time and money

 

[joeylittle]

It indicates how you will metabolize medication, and that them correlates to different meds that metabolize in a way that your body will best interact with. There are four types of metabolization, and it can be useful to know which kind you are.

But it doesn't narrow down the big pile of medications that your body will metabolize well: it just helps you rule out meds that you may not metabolize as well as others.