Genetic testing (pharmacogenetics) uses a cheek swab  to determine which medications a person is best able to absorb. It also measures the likelihood of side effects from each medication. 

While psychiatric medications treat mental disorders and aim to reduce symptoms to help patients improve their mental health, many find the initial medications they try don’t work. This can be due to the way the liver is over-metabolizing or under-metabolizing the medication.

The medications either don’t relieve their symptoms, or they cause unwanted side effects. As a result, patients try multiple medications and dosages before they find one that works. Trying several meds can delay the healing process and cause the person to experience unnecessary side effects. Knowing how the body will metabolize these medications (from this genetic testing) can aid the prescribing clinician in medication and dose selection. Last but not least, it can improve the chances of success by reducing the risk of unwanted side effects.

Common classes (types) of medications applied to unique genetic profiles include:

• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety 
• Anti-psychotics
• Stimulants
• Mood stabilizers

Genetic testing for psychiatric medications begins with getting a proper mental health diagnosis. Our skilled psychiatrists make sure they understand each patient’s condition. Based on the types and clusters of symptoms someone is experiencing, the most appropriate class of medication will be selected.

For instance, an antidepressant might work well for a person with depressive symptoms caused by certain mood disorders, while a mood stabilizer may be better for other types. Genetic testing helps our team find the medications within each class of drugs that should work best for each patient. These findings are based on the patient’s specific genetic profile. Many patients don’t find selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, effective at treating symptoms. Yet, this class of drugs is often the first choice to treat depression and anxiety disorders.

Our testing helps eliminate wasting time. People often take different SSRIs for months or even years while never getting relief from their symptoms. This could be due to genetic variations in the way the body processes these medications and pharmaco-genetic testing can identify this. Having these results can optimize the medication selection process, making it more efficient and improving outcomes. 

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

When a patient begins mental health treatment at Wave Treatment Centers, they will have many assessments to determine a proper diagnosis. Even someone with an existing diagnosis will be tested. This is because people may have initially received an incorrect or incomplete diagnosis, or their mental health may have changed since their last assessment.

We help our patients identify all of their symptoms. As a result, we can provide an accurate, up-to-date diagnosis. After diagnosis, we complete genetic testing for psychiatric medications. This involves a simple and fast process. Overall, a patient just needs a quick oral swab done in the office.

Results are available in three to five days. From there, we decide on the right medication to try and our medical staff monitors the patient for any side effects.

Additionally, we note any progress made with their mental health symptoms, and work with our patients to create flexible treatment plans.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

For the best mental health treatment, people need both medication and support from professionals to be successful. By using genetic testing, our mental health specialists provide our patients with personalized care.

Benefits of genetic testing include:

• A quick answer to which med within each class of medications is most likely to work
• Fewer trials with meds that may not be effective
• Reduces side effects from medications that are ineffective
• Improves treatment outcomes with the most effective medications for each person
• Helps with dosage adjustment to ensure the right therapeutic levels
• Lowers costs of treatment by finding what works right away

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

While every insurance plan is different, your insurance company may offer coverage for genetic testing as part of a psychiatric treatment program.

If you are considering genetic testing for psychiatric treatment, our caring staff will help you determine what your options are for insurance or other payment plans. 

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.