GeneSight Testing for Medication Guidance

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Finding the right medication for depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other mental health conditions can sometimes involve trial and error.

GeneSight is a genetic test that may help your provider understand how your body processes certain psychiatric medications. The results can offer additional insight when making medication decisions.

Your Questions, Answered

  • The GeneSight test analyzes genes related to how the body metabolizes certain psychiatric medications.

    The test analyzes specific genes involved in medication metabolism and provides information that may help guide treatment decisions for commonly prescribed psychiatric medications.

    These may include medications used to treat:

    GeneSight testing does not diagnose mental health conditions. Instead, it is one tool that may help your provider better understand how your body may respond to certain medications.

  • Each person’s body processes medications differently. Genetic differences can sometimes influence how quickly medications are metabolized or how the body responds to them.

    GeneSight results may help your provider:

    • identify medications that may work well with your genetic profile
    • determine whether dosage adjustments may be helpful
    • identify medications that may require closer monitoring
    • support more personalized medication decisions

    Genetic testing is only one part of the treatment process and is used alongside clinical evaluation, symptoms, and treatment history.

  • Your provider may recommend GeneSight testing if:

    • You have tried multiple medications without improvement

    • You experienced difficult side effects from medications

    • You want additional insight before starting medication

    • Medication response has been unpredictable

    • There is a history of medication sensitivity

    Testing may help provide additional information when developing a treatment plan.

  • The GeneSight test is simple and non-invasive.

    Step 1: Consultation

    Your provider will determine whether genetic testing may be helpful for your situation.

    Step 2: Cheek Swab

    A quick cheek swab is collected in the office.

    Step 3: Laboratory Analysis

    The sample is sent to a laboratory where genetic markers related to medication metabolism are analyzed.

    Step 4: Review Results

    Your provider reviews the results with you and discusses how the information may help guide medication decisions.

  • Results are typically available within about one to two weeks. Once available, your provider will review the results with you and discuss how they may be incorporated into your treatment plan.

  • Coverage for genetic testing can vary depending on your insurance plan and medical history.

    Our team can help discuss potential coverage and answer questions before testing is completed.

  • No. The test does not diagnose conditions. It helps provide information that may guide medication decisions.

Still Searching for the Right Medication?

Genetic testing may provide additional insight when developing your treatment plan. Schedule an appointment to discuss whether GeneSight testing may be appropriate for you.