What is Pharmacogenomics?
Each person has a unique response to any one medication, and as a result nearly ⅔ of patients will not achieve relief with their first psychiatric medication. This reaction can be influenced by factors such as lifestyle and age, or even that person’s genetic makeup. Pharmacogenomics, or “drug interaction testing” is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. By using the science of drugs (pharmacology) as well as studying the genes of a patient (genomics), this approach to medicine helps develop effective and safe medication plans tailored to each specific patient and their genetic makeup.
Pharmacogenomics can drastically cut down the time spent searching for the right medicine, and helps avoid negative and dangerous side effects that could come from testing medicine the patient does not respond well to.
Applications
We believe in getting medication right the first time. As part of our precision medicine model, we utilize pharmacogenetic testing before prescribing your child any psychiatric medication or supplements. Our use of the Genomind PgX genetic test provides us with a 24-gene panel that will give invaluable information about which drug interactions and supplements could benefit your child.
What to expect:
If our nurse practitioners decide medication could be useful for your child, we will prescribe a targeted panel DNA assessment to determine what drug interactions could be harmful. Our Genomind PgX genetic test is available by prescription only, but Genomind’s mental health map test can be purchased without a prescription. After the pharmacogenetic test is prescribed and purchased it will be mailed to your home, where your child will then provide a saliva sample. Upon submission of the test, our testing site will identify genetic variants that are associated with different responses to specific medications. Our nurse practitioners are trained to read and understand the Genomind PgX genetic test, and will be able to suggest the best medication for your child or provide recommendations for supplements if you decide medication is not for you.
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Learn More About Pharmacogenomics
CICS’ utilization of pharmacogenomics eliminates the time and risk of finding safer and more effective forms of medication for your child. If you would like to learn more about our use of this approach, please reach out to us today or visit our partner Genomind’s website.
Content was written by Zach Day. Clinical review was done by Amy Edgar.
