A New Era in Personalized Treatment
Today, one of the most significant challenges in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is that each individual's response to medications varies.
While the same medication is effective in some patients, in others:
- a sufficient response may not be obtained
- side effects may occur
- the treatment process may be prolonged
A significant portion of these differences stems from our genetic makeup.
Pharmacogenetic tests allow for personalized treatment planning by analyzing an individual's response to medications based on his genetic characteristics.
What is a Pharmacogenetic Test?
Pharmacogenetics is the branch of science that examines how our genetic makeup affects medications':
- metabolism (how they are processed in the body)
- efficacy
- side effect risks
Thanks to these tests:
- Which medication will be more appropriate
- Which medications carry a risk of side effects
- Whether the medication is metabolized quickly or slowly
can be predicted in advance.
Goal: To reach the right treatment faster by reducing the trial-and-error process
How is a Pharmacogenetic Test Performed?
Pharmacogenetic tests are a comfortable and fast process for the patient.
Test Process
1. 👩⚕️ Expert physician evaluation
1. 🧪 Sample collection (blood or saliva)
1. 🧬 Genetic analysis
1. 📊 Clinical reporting
1. 💊 Personalization of the treatment plan
The report prepared as a result of the test supports the clinical decision-making process regarding;
- medication compatibility
- dosage recommendations
- side effect risks
- alternative treatment options
In Which Diseases Is It Used?
Pharmacogenetic tests are widely used, particularly in the field of psychiatry.
Conditions where it is most frequently used:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders
In Which Patients Is It Recommended?
Pharmacogenetic tests are not routinely administered to every patient; however, they provide a significant clinical advantage in the following situations:
Patients with no response to treatment
- Individuals who have tried multiple medications but seen no benefit
Patients experiencing side effects
- Those who have developed hypersensitivity to medications
- Those who cannot tolerate standard doses
Patients using multiple medications
- Individuals with a risk of drug-drug interactions
Individuals with metabolic differences
- Patients responding faster or slower than expected to medication
Resistant psychiatric conditions
- Clinically difficult-to-manage cases
In this patient group, pharmacogenetic tests can directly influence treatment decisions.
What Information Do the Tests Provide?
Pharmacogenetic tests offer evaluation at two fundamental levels:
Pharmacokinetics
(What happens to the drug in the body?)
The medication's:
- absorption
- distribution
- metabolism
- excretion
are analyzed.
Drug metabolism is evaluated specifically via CYP enzyme systems.
Pharmacodynamics
(How does the drug exert its effect in the body?)
The medication's:
- effect on target receptors
- clinical response
- side effect potential
are evaluated.
This approach allows for the prediction of treatment efficacy and safety.
Test Approaches
Pharmacogenetic tests can be applied in different scopes according to clinical need:
Comprehensive Analysis
(Broad Panel Approach)
- Numerous genes and medications are evaluated together
- Preferred in complex and resistant cases
- Presents treatment options from a broad perspective
Ideal for patients using multiple medications.
Diagnosis-Based Analysis
(Targeted Panel Approach)
- Analysis specific to certain disease groups is performed
- Provides faster and more practical results
- Clinically more focused
Example areas of use:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Addiction
Pediatric and Adult Applications
Pharmacogenetic tests can be safely applied in both pediatric and adult patients.
Child Psychiatry
- ADHD
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Anxiety
Adult Psychiatry
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychotic disorders
- Addiction
Panel options suitable for every age group are available.
Advantages of Pharmacogenetic Tests
- Faster access to the right medication
- Reduction in the risk of side effects
- Increase in treatment success
- Prevention of unnecessary medication use
- Personalized treatment planning
A New Era in Clinical Approach
In the traditional treatment approach, medication selection is often based on trial and error.
With pharmacogenetic tests:
- The treatment process becomes predictable
- Clinical decisions are supported by scientific data
- Patient safety is enhanced
Conclusion
Pharmacogenetic tests are one of the most important innovations in modern psychiatry.
Thanks to this approach applied at NPİSTANBUL Hospital:
- treatment processes are planned personally
- the right medication and right dosage selection are made
- patients achieve safer and more effective treatment
You can contact us to get detailed information about pharmacogenetic tests and schedule an appointment.