I have been struggling with anxiety since I graduated from college more than a decade ago. Medication managed it mostly well, most of the time. Recently, after having surgery, I found that my medication was no longer working to keep my anxiety in check. A new provider suggested putting me on an SSRI. While I had my concerns, I trusted the clinician.
After switching meds, I could not sleep at all and I was actively suicidal. I tried everything to feel better—mushrooms, reiki, acupuncture. I changed my diet. I exercised. I gave up caffeine and alcohol. Nothing helped. I could not continue my work as a teacher, so I took advantage of the Family and Medical Leave Act to try and get myself well. Even with a loving family, a loving fiancé, and being surrounded with loving people, I felt everything slipping through my fingers.
I had two separate in-patient hospitalizations, and one intensive outpatient stint. I was given a GeneSight test before my second hospitalization, but I’m not sure if the clinician used the results. There were 6 or 7 clinicians involved in my care during that time and I do not remember who was making which decisions or why. I do know that when I kept asking about using my GeneSight report, at least one of the providers told me they believed the GeneSight test did not work. I also know that by this point I was on 6 or 7 different medications and was still not better.
This past summer, I got a copy of my GeneSight report from Myriad and found a provider who used the GeneSight test in her practice. With my results in hand, she informed me that an SSRI may not have been a good option for me and that I am a rapid metabolizer – so the medications may not be staying in my system long enough to work.
She prescribed a new medication based partly on the results of my GeneSight report. After some time, I began to feel like myself again.
Now, I feel I am so lucky. I have a new job and a new lease on life. I do not think I would be alive without the GeneSight test.
This story is one patient’s personal experience. Other patients may not have the same experience or outcome. 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.
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