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What is Genesight Testing, and How Can This Help Me With Psychiatric Medications?

Updated: Oct 18, 2023



Finding the best medication for a patient is not always an easy task and typically requires some trial and error. Some patient’s don’t respond well to treatment, while others are susceptible to specific treatments, and most patients experience unpleasant side effects. Medications may not be effective for everyone because of differences in how everybody’s DNA respond to them. It is in situations like these that Genesight testing at Revive Therapeutic Services proves helpful. Contact Revive Therapeutic Services


What is GeneSight?

GeneSight is a genetic diagnostic tool that can identify appropriate medications for mental health conditions. Using this diagnostic tool, your psychiatrist will be able to establish exactly how your body reacts to medication, as well as which prescription will work best for your particular DNA makeup. When it comes to finding the relief you need, testing with GeneSight can save you a lot of time and energy that would otherwise be spent on trialing multiple failed medications.

What kind of GeneSight testing is available?

GeneSight testing comes in a few different types, including the following:

  1. Psychotropic

The psychotropic GeneSight test evaluates your body’s reaction to medications used to treat neuropsychiatric diseases such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder. It displays the outcomes for dozens of widely used neuropsychiatric drugs, such as Ambien®, Xanax®, Wellbutrin®, and others.

  1. MTHFR

The MTHFR test determines both the amount of folic acid in your body as well as how much of it is being used. To produce crucial neurotransmitters like dopamine, you first need to convert folic acid into its active form, called L-methylfolate. Your doctor will be able to determine with the MTHFR test whether or not you require more folic acid or L-methylfolate.

  1. ADHD

The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) test evaluates how your body reacts to stimulants and non-stimulants used to treat ADHD. The results of this test make it abundantly clear which medications, given your unique genetic composition, are more likely to cause adverse reactions and which are more likely to be effective.

  1. Analgesic

The analgesic test analyses how your body reacts to various drugs to relieve pain. Based on your DNA, determines which over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as NSAIDs, opioids, and muscle relaxants, can alleviate your pain most efficiently.

You may require one or more GeneSight tests to help your psychiatrist develop the most effective and individualized treatment plan for you based on your genetics. This will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing.


How does GeneSight testing work?

The GeneSight test can be completed at home in a short amount of time. The DNA sample will be collected with a simple swab inside your cheek. You then will place it in sterilized packaging before passing it to the clinical lab for examination.


When will I receive the results of GeneSight testing?

A GeneSight testing lab can deliver test results in under 36 hours, so you may immediately schedule a follow-up consultation to discuss the findings with your psychiatrist. There is no longer any need for your psychiatrist to guess when using GeneSight testing; in fact, many health insurance policies now cover the testing. Get in touch with Revive Therapeutic Services today to find out more information or to arrange for your GeneSight testing.

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