PGX testing is a type of pharmacogenomics testing that can help identify patients who are at higher risk for adverse reactions due to their genes. PGx testing has particular relevance to psychiatric practice. Medication is the standard of care for most debilitating psychiatric illnesses. However, many medications commonly used to treat mental illnesses (i.e., psychotropic medications) have substantial adverse drug reaction and side effect profiles. Thus, clients seeking psychiatric treatment can be particularly susceptible to undesired side effects or adverse events. Unfortunately, such experiences are common, due in large part to the ongoing ‘trial-and-error’ approach to medication prescription. According to this method, prescription choices are guided, initially, by various standards of care and, subsequently, by observations of the client’s response to the medication. This method puts the client at increased risk of suffering adverse drug reactions and side effects. The fact that most psychotropic medications take four to six weeks to show an effect exacerbates this risk. As trial-and-error frequently involves prescription changes, it also leads to considerable healthcare expenditures. By using PGX tests healthcare providers can make better judgment calls about which medications to prescribe and the best dosage for their patients to obtain better health outcomes.
The Absolute Genomics PGx panel is a pharmacogenomic test that analyzes clinically important genetic variations which may impact how your patient metabolizes and responds to certain medications used to treat cardiovascular disease, pain medications, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions.