HomeGenetic InsightsHow is pharmacogenomic testing different from “traditional” diagnostic testing? How is pharmacogenomic testing different from “traditional” diagnostic testing? December 5, 2017Genetic Insights When people hear of pharmacogenomic testing, they may think it’s the same as genetic testing used to diagnose disease. The GeneSight® test is a pharmacogenomic test, not a diagnostic test. While both tests may analyze DNA, there are meaningful differences between the two: Diagnostic testing looks at changes in a person’s DNA that are associated with a disease — such as types of breast cancer. A mutation may show proof of a disease or lack of the mutation may help rule out the disease. Pharmacogenomic tests look at changes in a person’s DNA that can influence how they metabolize or respond to medications. This type of testing helps guide healthcare providers in choosing medications and dosing. However, it cannot identify which medications or doses will definitely work for a patient. Who are Candidates for Each Test? Diagnostic testing: People who are suspected of having — or at risk to develop — a specific genetic disease. Pharmacogenomic testing: People being considered for medications, changes in medications, or dose adjustments to treat conditions, including those involving mental health. Can GeneSight be Used for Diagnosis? No, diagnostic testing for psychiatric illness is not currently possible. There is no single genetic marker that can reliably diagnose any particular psychiatric illness — multiple genes as well as environmental factors are involved. While some genes have been connected to the risk of developing certain conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder1–3, these genes contribute only a small amount to the overall disease risk. As a result, testing for these markers is unlikely to provide meaningful information. In contrast, pharmacogenomic testing can provide clinical benefit by helping healthcare providers select genetically optimal medications. This can help patients get on the right medication faster. Questions? For more information on how the GeneSight test can help you and your physician, visit genesight.com, email us at [email protected], or phone 855.891.9415. References Jiang, H. et al. Evaluating the association between CACNA1C rs1006737 and schizophrenia risk: A meta-analysis. Asia-Pacific Psychiatry 7, 260–267 (2015). Arnedo, J. et al. Uncovering the Hidden Risk Architecture of the Schizophrenias: Confirmation in Three Independent Genome-Wide Association Studies. Am J Psychiatry 172, 139–153 (2015). Ferreira, M., O’Donovan, M. & Meng, Y. Collaborative genome-wide association analysis supports a role for ANK3 and CACNA1C in bipolar disorder. Nat. … 40, 1056–1058 (2008). 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 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