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Why Genetic Testing for Mental Health Meds is Important
Recently we learned that my 19 year old Grandson (who has been diagnosed with depression, panic attacks and anxiety) has not been
on the right medication. In fact the one he has been on was in the red (wrong) zone as opposed to green or yellow. Needless-to-say he is tapering off it in preparation to be put on one in the green zone! We did learn this through the Genetic Testing. If you are able to access this testing I would really recommend it!
Best wishes
Ainsleigh
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H/T: https://genesight.com/cost/
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3 ReactionsAre there a lot of genetic testing places? Does it accept insurance usually?
I’m interested in finding more information about it.
Hello! I was swabbed for the genetic testing and have not received the results yet..I hear it can take a little while but think I’ll reach out to my doctor about the results. I do admit: I’m afraid of opening a can of worms, or I would have contacted him sooner.
I have (now) SLE & Hashimoto’s and take Prozac but recently had a crying spell that wouldn’t stop so he did the swab. I will let you know!
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2 ReactionsI am on Medicare with United Healthcare and the doctor said that it was covered.
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1 ReactionOk thanks. I’m on Medicare
And Medicaid through a contract with my insurance provider. I will call them to make sure.
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3 ReactionsI had Genesight testing done for both mental health meds and pain meds. The report has been invaluable!
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2 ReactionsMy provider had me do it and told me it was inconclusive. Didn't make me feel real confident. I may ask that they repeat it.
this is the first I am hearing of this. So interesting that this popped up but the last response was over 2 years ago. My husband has always claimed his depression treatment resistant. We live in the Bay Area so lots of good treatment [even though he doesn't truly seek it out]. I've never heard him mention genetic testing. I'll have to ask him. With his depression he has become increasingly detached so doesn't share information unless I ask. I don't always know what to ask. This forum has been helpful in understanding depression and its affects. Thanks to those that share.
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2 ReactionsToday is Monday. I just had the GeneSight swab done this past Friday. Psych NP said the results can take about 7 business days.
My regular Psych NP was reluctant to do the test, so I looked on the GeneSight website and found another local provider that does the testing.
I am 54. I was officially diagnosed with MDD and Dysthymia (among a couple of other mental health diagnoses) at age 28. From then until now my medications have all been trial and error. Hoping this test can narrow down the choices as my MDD is full blown and has been for quite some time.
I am definitely thinking about transferring my care from my current provider to the one that did the GeneSight test.
I had my genetic testing done a few months ago. Interestingly, 2 psychiatrists I have spoken did not seem to think it was overly useful? I was disappointed that they were not enthusiastic about the process.
1 med that I am on is a good (green) for me, the other is so-so (yellow).
I am glad I did the test as I will have to switch meds soon.
Perhaps rather then a next one being a total shot in the dark as to it's efficacy, the test results will at least be a flashlight to guide the next choice.
I know for sure that when we are choosing the next med, I will defiantly be requesting to try the ones that are deemed to be metabolized better by my body.