Precision Medicine & Pharmacogenetic (Gene) Testing

Pharmacogenetic testing is an emerging tool in psychiatry that can help guide medication selection and dosing based on an individual’s genetic profile. While it is not a first-line test for every patient, it may be considered in certain clinical situations—particularly when medication response has been inconsistent, or when side effects have limited treatment options.

At our practice, we utilize clinically validated pharmacogenetic testing services, including platforms such as GeneSight and Tempus, to better understand how a patient may metabolize or respond to specific psychiatric medications.

These tests typically evaluate:

• Pharmacodynamic factors, which may provide insight into how a patient is likely to respond to certain medications or their risk for side effects
• Pharmacokinetic factors, which help explain how the body processes and metabolizes medications, supporting more individualized dosing strategies

When combined with clinical evaluation, this information can support more personalized medication selection and dosing to improve tolerability and overall treatment outcomes.

An additional area of clinical interest is the MTHFR gene, which plays a role in converting folic acid into L-methylfolate, the biologically active form needed for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. In some patients, variations in this gene may be relevant when considering adjunctive nutritional or medication strategies.

Pharmacogenetic testing is one of several tools that may be used to support a more individualized, precision-based approach to mental health care.