Genesight Testing

Personalized Psychiatric Care with GeneSight Testing

GeneSight Testing is a pharmacogenomic genetic test designed to help healthcare providers personalize medication treatment for patients with mental health conditions, particularly depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. The test analyzes an individual's genetic variations that can impact how their body metabolizes and responds to specific psychiatric medications.
By examining a patient's DNA through a simple cheek swab, GeneSight evaluates genetic markers related to drug metabolism enzymes and neurotransmitter receptors. The resulting report provides insights into how different psychiatric medications might be processed by the patient's body, categorizing medications into three groups:

Favorable/Green

Medications that are likely to work well based on the patient's genetic profile.

Moderate Caution/Yellow

Medications that may require dose adjustments or closer monitoring.

Significant Caution/Red

Medications that might be less effective or pose higher risk of side effects

The goal of GeneSight Testing is to help clinicians make more informed medication decisions, potentially reducing the trial-and-error approach often used in psychiatric medication management. By providing personalized genetic insights, the test aims to improve treatment outcomes, minimize adverse drug reactions, and help patients find more effective medication strategies more quickly.
While promising, it’s important to note that GeneSight is a tool to assist clinical decision-making and should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and clinical expertise.