Yes, and in fact, some medical insurers are covering the cost of the testing. It is best to consult with your health care provider to see if one of these genetic tests may be of benefit to you or your family.
Genetic variations have been hypothesized to be one of the major contributors to individual differences seen in drug response, as well as in side-effect liability.
Over the past decade, interest in the field of pharmacogenomics (PGx) has expanded exponentially. Our oncology colleagues have experienced the most rapid advances in incorporating PGx into personalized medicine. Interest in incorporating PGx into psychiatry is derived from our clinical understanding that some patients respond to some medications but not to others, e.g., in depression. This has led our field to attempt to identify genetic markers to predict treatment response as well as side effects. Unfortunately, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of antidepressant response have yet to consistently replicate any individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that meet genome-wide significance.
The International Society of Psychiatric Genetics (ISPG) updated its policy statement on genetic testing in psychiatry in early 2019. They emphasize that PGx testing is a clinical-support tool to be used in conjunction with good clinical decision-making. Considerable emphasis has been placed on certain cytochrome P450 isoenzymes because several antidepressants are either substrates or inhibitors of these. However, ISPG does not encourage the widespread use of PGx, suggesting that genetic testing for CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 would be most beneficial in patients who have “experienced inadequate response or adverse reactions to a previous antidepressant” and encouraging clinicians to utilize data available in FDA labeling and Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines. CPIC TCA and SSRI dosing guidelines, ISPG, and FDA labeling all focus solely on CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms and on the metabolism of certain antidepressants. Other thought leaders and experts in the area concur with these recommendations.
