HomeBlogHealthcare ProviderNew GUIDED Study Analysis for Patients Aged 65 Years or Older New GUIDED Study Analysis for Patients Aged 65 Years or Older March 31, 2020Healthcare Provider Myriad Neuroscience announced a new post hoc analysis of the GUIDED study focusing on the impact of the GeneSight® test on clinical outcomes for patients aged 65 years or older who took psychotropic medications. The GUIDED (Genomics Used to Improve DEpression Decisions) study was the largest prospective study to assess the benefit of pharmacogenomics to inform treatment for depression using the GeneSight Psychotropic test versus a treatment as usual control arm who also received active therapy. The study is a rater- and patient-blinded randomized controlled trial that evaluated outpatients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and with a patient- or clinician-reported inadequate response to at least one psychotropic medication. The GUIDED study was an 8-week, blinded, randomized controlled trial of 1,167 subjects from 20 academic sites and 40 community sites. The trial was unblinded after the 8-week check-in, and the subjects in the GeneSight arm were followed out to 24 weeks. Why Depression Treatment is Important for Older Adults According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 7 million of the nation’s 39 million adults aged 65 years and older are affected by depression, which can be described as a “persistent sad, anxious, or empty feeling, or a feeling of hopelessness and pessimism” that lasts for longer than two weeks. Geriatric depression puts substantial burdens on function, quality of life, and healthcare resources. A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that depression among older adults is linked with longer length of illness, more depressive episodes, and a greater number of comorbidities. Additionally, late-life depression is often accompanied by cognitive impairment, dementia, and chronic medical conditions. A broad range of clinical and social factors complicate its presentation and medical management. When treating this population, clinicians may face many challenges, such as increased polypharmacy, lower adherence, and higher rates of side effects. Results of the GUIDED 65+ Analysis In a post hoc analysisi of patients aged 65 years old and older, the data trended toward but did not achieve statistical significance in symptom improvement between the GeneSight® and treatment as usual (TAU) arms at week 8. The GeneSight arm experienced a 43 percent relative improvement and an 8 percent absolute improvement in symptoms at week 8 compared to TAU. In response rates, the GeneSight arm experienced an 84 percent relative improvement and a 13.5 percent absolute improvement at week 8 compared to TAU. Further, the GeneSight arm experienced a 172 percent relative improvement and a 13 percent absolute improvement in remission rates at week 8 compared to TAU. Next, the post hoc analysis showed outcomes continued to improve over time for patients in the GeneSight® arm who were 65 years or older. Finally, a larger proportion of patients in the GeneSight arm were taking medications with no gene-drug interactions by week 8 compared to TAU. It’s important to note that not all patients who receive the GeneSight Psychotropic test will see improvements in symptoms, achieve response, or achieve remission. Depression May Present Differently in Older Adults This post hoc analysis of the GUIDED study is important because how depression presents in geriatric-aged patients, as well as how it is treated, may be different than in younger patients. For example, elderly patients may have impaired production of CYP450 enzymes, which can affect drug metabolism rate. This may exacerbate the effect of pharmacogenomic variation. The poor metabolizer phenotype may be more extreme in elderly patients compared to younger patients. For example, one study showed that serum levels of venlafaxine among elderly CYP2D6 poor metabolizers were 8-fold greater than younger CYP2D6 poor metabolizers. i. Forester BP, et al. Combinatorial pharmacogenomic testing improves response and remission for patients over 65 with depression who have failed one medication trial. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 2020; 28(4): S151-S152. Our articles are for informational purposes only and are reviewed by our Medical Information team, which includes PharmDs, MDs, and PhDs. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications. As with all genetic tests, the GeneSight test results have limitations and do not constitute medical advice. The test results are designed to be just one part of a larger, complete patient assessment, which would include proper diagnosis and consideration of your medical history, other medications you may be taking, your family history, and other factors. If you are a healthcare provider and interested in learning more about the GeneSight test, please contact us at 855.891.9415. If you are a patient, please talk with your doctor to see if the GeneSight test may be helpful. Published: March 31, 2020 Patient Common Antidepressant Side Effects Taking an antidepressant can be an effective way to help treat a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. However, these medications can also cre... 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Read more Patient The Model Minority Myth and Mental Health The model minority myth stereotypes one cultural group, typically Asian Americans, as “intelligent, hard-working, and diligent and therefore more academically, ... Read more Learn more Learn more about GeneSight How to talk to your provider View our clinical studies
Patient Common Antidepressant Side Effects Taking an antidepressant can be an effective way to help treat a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. However, these medications can also cre... Read more
Patient MTHFR Mutations: Clinical Implications and Management Strategies MTHFR mutations—changes in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene—have gained increased attention in the medical community due to their potent... Read more
Patient Can an App Help Me Manage My Anxiety? Health and wellness smartphone apps have become so common that if you can name a health goal, desire or condition, you can probably find an app for it. N... Read more
Patient Black Trailblazers of Psychiatry and Mental Health: A Legacy of Healing and Advocacy As we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recognize a few individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of psychiatry and mental heal... Read more
Patient Mindful Moments: Tips for Anxiety If a well-meaning friend or family member has ever told you to “just breathe” when you’re feeling worked up or stressed out, you’d be forgiven if you felt l... Read more
Patient Hints To Help You Have A Better New Year The holidays have ended, and a new year has begun—a time when many embrace a fresh start by setting New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not consider s... Read more
Patient Movement as Medicine: Solutions for Anxiety Moving forward. It sounds like a nice idea, especially when you’re feeling stuck deep in the throes of an anxiety spiral. But it turns out that physically m... Read more
Patient Weight-Loss Drugs and Mental Health: What You Need to Know New medications for weight loss seem to be flying off pharmacy shelves these days. But could they be linked to mental health conditions? Researchers are ... Read more
Patient 3 million patients (and counting!) have now taken the GeneSight test! We’re thrilled to share that 3 million patients (and counting!) have now taken the GeneSight test! We're so grateful to the dedicated healthcare providers who... Read more
Patient The Model Minority Myth and Mental Health The model minority myth stereotypes one cultural group, typically Asian Americans, as “intelligent, hard-working, and diligent and therefore more academically, ... Read more