A New Era in Personalized Treatment
One of the most significant challenges in the treatment of psychiatric disorders today is that each individual responds differently to medications.
The same medication may be effective in some patients, while in others:
- may not produce an adequate response
- side effects may occur
- the treatment process may be prolonged
A significant portion of these differences stems from our genetic makeup.
Pharmacogenetic tests analyze an individual’s response to medications based on their genetic characteristics, enabling personalized treatment planning.
What Is a Pharmacogenetic Test?
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how our genetic makeup affects:
- metabolism (how they are processed in the body)
- effectiveness
- side effect risks
.
Thanks to these tests:
- Which medication is more appropriate
- Which drugs carry a risk of side effects
- Whether the drug is metabolized quickly or slowly
can be predicted in advance.
Goal: To reach the correct treatment faster by reducing the trial-and-error process
How Is a Pharmacogenetic Test Performed?
Pharmacogenetic testing is a comfortable and quick process for the patient.
Test Process
1. 👩⚕️ Evaluation by a specialist physician
1. 🧪 Sample collection (blood or saliva)
1. 🧬 Genetic analysis
1. 📊 Clinical reporting
1. 💊 Personalized treatment plan
The report prepared based on the test results;
- drug compatibility
- dosage recommendations
- side effect risks
- alternative treatment options
to support the clinical decision-making process.
For Which Conditions Is It Used?
Pharmacogenetic tests are widely used, particularly in the field of psychiatry.
The most common conditions for which they are used:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders
For Which Patients Is It Recommended?
Pharmacogenetic testing is not routinely performed on every patient; however, it offers significant clinical benefits in the following situations:
Patients who do not respond to treatment
- Individuals who have tried multiple medications but have not seen any benefit
Patients experiencing side effects
- Those who have developed sensitivity to medications
- Patients who cannot tolerate standard doses
Patients taking multiple medications
- Individuals at risk of drug interactions
Individuals with metabolic differences
- Patients who respond to medication faster or slower than expected
Treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions
- Clinically challenging cases
In this patient group, pharmacogenetic testing can directly influence treatment decisions.
What Information Do the Tests Provide?
Pharmacogenetic tests provide assessment at two main levels:
Pharmacokinetics
(What happens to the drug in the body?)
The drug’s:
- absorption
- distribution
- metabolism
- excretion
are analyzed.
Drug metabolism is evaluated, particularly through the CYP enzyme systems.
Pharmacodynamics
(How does the drug work in the body?)
The drug’s:
- effect on target receptors
- clinical response
- potential for side effects
are evaluated.
This approach enables the prediction of treatment efficacy and safety.
Testing Approaches
Pharmacogenetic tests can be applied with varying scopes depending on clinical need:
Comprehensive Analysis
(Broad Panel Approach)
- Multiple genes and drugs are evaluated together
- Preferred for complex and treatment-resistant cases
- Offers a broad perspective on treatment options
Ideal for patients taking multiple medications.
Diagnosis-Based Analysis H3
(Targeted Panel Approach)
- Performs analyses specific to certain disease groups
- Provides faster and more practical results
- It is clinically more focused
Example applications:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Addiction
Pediatric and Adult Applications
Pharmacogenetic tests can be safely administered in both children and adults.
Child Psychiatry
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Anxiety
Adult Psychiatry
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Psychotic Disorders
- Addiction
Panel options are available for all age groups.
Advantages of Pharmacogenetic Testing
- Faster access to the right medication
- Reduced risk of side effects
- Increased treatment success
- Prevention of unnecessary medication use
- Personalized treatment planning
A New Era in Clinical Practice
In traditional treatment approaches, medication selection is often based on trial and error.
With pharmacogenetic testing:
- The treatment process becomes predictable
- Clinical decisions are supported by scientific data
- Patient safety is enhanced
Conclusion
Pharmacogenetic testing is one of the most significant innovations in modern psychiatry.
Thanks to this approach implemented at NPİSTANBUL Hospital:
- treatment processes are tailored to the individual
- the right medication and dosage are selected
- patients receive safer and more effective treatment
To learn more about pharmacogenetic testing and schedule an appointment, please contact us