TW: Suicidal thoughts
I am 41 years-old and have been a registered nurse for 20 years. Both of my boys have ADHD. My oldest was taking stimulants and it was clear that something was not right. There were still a lot of behavioral problems, and we were concerned about cardiac issues. His PCP suggested a GeneSight test. With the information provided by the genetic test, and my son’s medical history, his provider decided to switch him to a “use as directed” medication shown on the GeneSight report. The change I saw was so fast! In 10 days, he was on a totally different path. Even his learning problems seemed to improve.
I requested the GeneSight test for my younger son, who was taking ADHD medication, yet not really struggling at the time. After seeing the difference it made for my other son, I wanted to make sure that his provider also had GeneSight test results to help inform treatment decisions. With him, I saw similar if not quite as dramatic results.
I myself had been struggling with mental health issues, dealing with both depression and anxiety for at least 15 years. I had severe post-partum depression with both of my children. Depression played into a difficult divorce and left me managing a single parent home. This also forced me into a cycle of working too much and carrying too much weight—both literally and figuratively.
I found myself crying in the bathtub, on the kitchen floor; I could not function. I was divorced with two small children, and I struggled with increasing suicidal thoughts.
My PCP started me on antidepressants, one at the highest dose recommended, which I continued with mixed success for seven years. When I started feeling terrible again, feeling like my medication was not working, I asked my PCP for the GeneSight test, as I had seen how well it worked for my boys.
Based on my test results, and previous medication experience, my provider decided to switch me to a medication that was shown in the “use as directed” portion of my GeneSight report.
I am functioning now on a much higher level and am now so much more attentive to my new blended family and my co-workers. I have taken on more responsibility at work and after a year I still feel great, and I am able to feel joy.
I am frustrated that I had to go through ten years of struggling.
My PCP now frequently orders GeneSight for [his][her] patients and I am always telling my own dialysis patients about the GeneSight test. I urge clinicians—particularly those dealing with adults and children thinking about suicide–to use the valuable information from the GeneSight test when making medication decisions! I think what GeneSight has done for me and my kids is life changing.
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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