Genetic testing is performed for various purposes, such as determining a person’s chance of developing a genetic condition. It also helps medical experts recommend suitable psychiatric medication for mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, OCD, etc.
Through genetic testing, it is possible to determine whether you are at risk of developing a substance use disorder. It is vital to learn about genetic testing and how it is beneficial to decide the best treatment program for you.
Key Takeaways
Genetic factors can lead to addiction and mental illness. Gene testing helps determine mutations, helping doctors plan a suitable treatment. Learn about genetic testing, how it works, its types, and its advantages.
- Genetic testing helps healthcare providers to offer suitable prescriptions to their patients.
- Genetic tests help treat various mental health conditions, including addiction.
- Few genetic tests require saliva or blood samples to collect DNA.
- Pharmacogenetic testing is based on two mechanisms to determine the impact of the drug on a person.
- There are three types of genetic test results.
- Genetic test results will help you to receive personalized treatment.
If you or your close friend is dealing with addiction, contact The Recovery Team. Contact us today at (800) 817-1247.
What You Need to Know About Genetic Testing
Mental health disorders and addiction can majorly impact how you communicate with others and deal with everyday conditions.
If you are diagnosed with depression or anxiety, you may have wondered what caused it and how you can receive an appropriate treatment plan to treat your illness.
There can be environmental or biological causes of mental illness. Recent studies indicate a link between specific genes, genetic variations, and mental disorders. Through genetic testing or DNA screening, experts can study how your body reacts to certain types of drugs.
Genetic testing searches for alterations in your DNA, often known as mutations or variations. This field has benefited various areas of medicine and improves the quality of treatment a person receives. Finding the proper drug to treat mental illness is complex and may require trial and error.
However, studying a person’s genetic makeup and how it influences medications’ effectiveness can help psychiatrists to select antidepressants.
How Genetic Testing is Performed
Genetic testing is also helpful for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and substance addiction. Some genetic testing is simple and only requires collecting DNA from your cheek with a cotton swab.
You will receive the results within a few days. Another type of testing may require a blood test.
It is best to ask them specifically about genetic testing for mental disorders before booking an appointment. Patients with financial needs can afford these tests through Medicare and Medicaid plans.
The Science Behind Genetic Tests
A gene that medical experts study to determine the influence of medication on your body is pharmacogenetics, also known as PGx.
Pharmacogenomic tests focus on two main processes: pharmacokinetic effects and pharmacodynamic effects.
Pharmacokinetics is how a drug moves through the body, while pharmacodynamics is what a drug does to the body.
Pharmacogenomic testing can help patients with major depressive disorder or other medical conditions get a treatment that has a higher chance of improving their situation rather than harming them.
Pharmacokinetic Effects
The flow of different medications in and out of the system is called pharmacokinetics. Certain enzymes in your liver metabolize the drug, and the person may not receive any positive effects and thus may require a higher dose.
If the body takes a long time to process it, the person will likely experience its adverse effects. Such individuals will require a lower dose to avoid the side effects.
Pharmacodynamic Effects
Pharmacodynamic effects help predict a particular drug’s impact on your body. Understanding the metabolic effects helps doctors recommend suitable prescription medicines for patients dealing with drug abuse or depression.
Types of Genetic Test Results
Gene testing has three main results: positive, negative, and uncertain. Test results depend on various factors, such as the type of genetic testing, personal medical history, and family history. You can get more information about your result from a healthcare provider.
Positive Result
A positive test result means that a genetic change has been identified. This result indicates that you are at risk of developing a hereditary condition and explains why you are showing specific symptoms.
Moreover, your family can also undergo genetic testing to learn if they have the same variant as it may run in their families.
Negative Result
When you receive a negative genetic result, it means that there is no genetic variation. A negative result is frequently reassuring. However, it usually cannot completely rule out a genetic problem because unknown genes or variants may not be part of the test.
Genetic testing and the knowledge about genetic codes are improving every day. You can consult a doctor for more information if you receive negative results but are still concerned about your mental health.
Uncertain Result
The result can be uncertain when one or more variants are found in your system. However, it is unclear whether they cause mental illness or substance addiction.
You can expect a result like that when a large number of genetic variants are analyzed. The medical team might change the medical care services that you are receiving. They may advise you to get another test that can be positive or negative.
Accuracy of Gene Testing for Mental Health and Addiction
In the field of genetic testing, more research is required in this area to predict the onset of various mental illnesses. As well as what genetic mutations can lead to addiction in a person.
However, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, genetic testing is suitable for identifying the most effective prescription drugs to fulfill the patient’s needs.
When treating illnesses, it is necessary to remember that the exact medication dosage and treatment plan are only suitable for some. Through genetic testing, medical experts can skip the process of experimenting with drugs and doses on the patient.
This test provides detailed information about your health and risk of disease. Genetic testing is often affordable and easily accessible.
You can receive personalized programs for your addiction at The Recovery Team using such test results. We are here to offer you alcohol or drug addiction treatment at the residential facility. In a sober living environment, you can focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can your genetic test for mental illness?
Genetic testing has been used for years to determine health risks. Clinicians also use this technique to assist patients with OCD, ADHD, or depression. Genetic tests help doctors treat mental health conditions and prescribe specific medication that will work for them.
Genetic testing is done using saliva or blood samples. This test is beneficial to treat mental illness because genetic makeup can affect the positive impact of the drug on your body. By understanding the genes through this test, medical experts can craft a treatment plan for you.
Why would a psychiatrist order genetic testing?
When medicines affect you unexpectedly or do not affect you at all, a doctor may conduct a genetic test. Psychiatrists order gene testing to confirm a specific genetic condition.
It also determines an individual’s chance of developing a genetic disorder. PGx test is conducted to understand how a person’s genes respond to a particular medication.
Doctors compare your genomic code with other people’s results to prescribe the correct drug dose. The medical expert will recommend a higher or a lower amount.
What does genetic testing show for mental health?
Genetic testing for mental health issues identifies pharmacogenetic markers present in your DNA. These genetic markers help medical experts determine which medication will suit a patient’s mental illness.
Individuals who start treatment for certain mental illnesses usually have to intake several drugs to find the one that works for them.
With a precise genetic report, patients do not need to go through this process of trying different medications. This way, they can quickly manage their symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Receive Treatment to Overcome Addiction at The Recovery Team
Advancement in medicine is advantageous for individuals dealing with drug or alcohol addiction. Through genetic testing, you can receive quality treatment for recovering from the effects of addiction.
The Recovery Team offers alcohol addiction and rehab treatment in a comfortable setting. We present them with counseling and medications to help them overcome withdrawal effects. We aim to help them improve their overall lifestyle and relationship with their loved ones.
That is why we offer a family program to help our clients rebuild relationships with them. We help you restore the balance in your life and maintain long-term sobriety.
Let us become part of your recovery journey. Call us today at (800) 817-1247.
