Navigating the world of medication can be a complex endeavour, particularly in mental health. The trial-and-error process of finding the right drug at the right dose can be daunting. However, Harrison’s team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and clinical team members are now using innovative pharmacogenomic testing (PGx)—a breakthrough that tailors drug treatment to an individual’s genetic makeup, dramatically improving client outcomes and minimizing adverse reactions.
“As a family physician, it’s a beacon of hope, enabling the rapid personalization of medication regimens to ensure the most effective treatment for each individual,” says Dr. Aaron Hoo.
How pharmacogenetic testing works
The test involves analyzing a person’s DNA to understand how they metabolize different medications. This insight helps identify which drugs are likely to be most effective and which have the potential to cause adverse reactions. Without using a pharmacogenetic test, there’s a risk of prescribing treatments that may not work effectively. Ineffective treatments can lead to additional distress and unnecessary suffering for the client as their symptoms persist, which can be critical in mental health cases where time is often of the essence.
Consider the struggle of a 17-year-old grappling with serious depression. Here, pharmacogenetic testing becomes a lifeline. “Genetics are a big piece in mental health,” Dr. Bobbi-Jo Whitfield shares, “We don’t always have three months… you may only have one kick at the can.”
By examining a client’s genetic predisposition to metabolize certain medications, care providers can select the most effective treatment from the start.
Testing for a broad spectrum of conditions
Pharmacogenetic testing benefits a broad spectrum of clients, including medication recommendations for over 45 different conditions. While especially effective for those with mental health challenges, the test also offers guidance on medications for those with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmune disorders, gastroenterology (GI) infections, neurology, rheumatology, urology, analgesia, and chronic pain. The right medication can quickly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Parents apprehensive about psychiatric medications find solace in the data-driven nature of pharmacogenetic testing. “It takes away the fear factor,” notes Dr. Whitfield. “I walk families through a client portal, showing how genetics guide the decision-making process. It’s a visual reassurance that the chosen medication is a well-informed, strategic move.”
This innovation is transformative both for clients receiving expeditious treatment, and physicians’ optimizing their workdays with a streamlined process. Physicians at Harrison can access a clinical decision support tool that provides an evidence-based hierarchy of medications, dosing guidance, and potential signs to watch for. When pharmacogenetic information is available, it considers a client’s entire medication profile, including their existing conditions, to refine treatment plans for optimum outcomes.
Real world application
Dr. Whitfield recalls the emotional triumph of a 31-year-old mother, debilitated by depression and anxiety, who had tried multiple treatments without success. Pharmacogenetic testing identified the most effective medication was an older drug that she had never prescribed before. The result was life changing.
“She went from being housebound to score keeping at her child’s volleyball tournament amongst a crowd. I was immensely proud of her progress, and she was too.”
The implications of pharmacogenetics extend across various conditions. ADHD medications may not effectively be metabolized when taken alongside another prescription. For less acute conditions, like gastrointestinal issues, pharmacogenetics can explain why certain drugs may require dose adjustments.
More than a test, it’s better care
For the Harrison team it’s about more than prescribing medications; it’s about crafting a care plan with a high likelihood of success from the outset.
“It’s saving time as far as getting the client to feel better faster,” Dr. Hoo explains, emphasizing the impact on his practice. Providing individualized care plans remains a priority at Harrison and adding a pharmacogenetic test, when clinically indicated, is another excellent opportunity to do so.
It’s a testament to the power of genetics in shaping Harrison’s approach to well-being. As we understand the intricate relationship between our DNA and our health, the potential for targeted, effective treatment grows. “By embracing this technology, we open the door to a future where every client can feel confident in their path to recovery,” Dr. Hoo adds. “Whenever a client needs a new medication, we see this as an opportunity to speed up their journey to a health resolution.”
By integrating PGx testing into their practice, physicians can make more informed decisions, reduce the experimentation phase of treatment, and offer care that resonates with the needs and biological makeup of their clients. As the medical community continues to learn about and embrace this innovation, the promise of truly personalized medicine is becoming a daily reality for care providers and the families they serve.
Pharmacogenetics is more than a tool; it’s a paradigm shift towards precision medicine that respects the individuality of each client. It empowers healthcare providers to make the path to wellness as direct and as comfortable as possible. Each success highlights the impact of personalization, signaling a new era in healthcare where every prescription is as unique as the person receiving it.
