TheKicksShrink
TheKicksShrink
Minisode 80: Can a Cheek Swab Predict Your Perfect Medication?
Minisode 80: Can a Cheek Swab Predict Your Perfect Medication?
Minisode 80: Can a Cheek Swab Predict Your Perfect Medication?
Monday 1st July 2024
Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza explores the promise and pitfalls of psychopharmacogenomic testing in mental health treatment.
Explicit
12 minutes
Informative
Educational
Hopeful
Cautious
Thought-provoking
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Get the buttons here!Can Genetic Testing Revolutionise Psychiatric Treatment?
Episode Overview
- PGx testing aims to personalise psychiatric medication selection.
- There is controversy and limited evidence supporting PGx efficacy.
- Specific genes like CYP2D6 affect medication metabolism.
- PGx should not replace comprehensive clinical evaluations.
- Ethical concerns around privacy and informed consent exist.
PGx testing can provide valuable insights to guide medication choices, but it should never replace a comprehensive clinical evaluation
Imagine being able to predict the perfect psychiatric medication for you with just a cheek swab. Sounds like science fiction, right? In this episode of TheKicksShrink Podcast, Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, a triple board-certified psychiatrist, dives into the fascinating world of psychopharmacogenomic (PGx) testing. He explores how genetic testing aims to personalise psychiatric medication selection and potentially reduce side effects. But is it really the miracle solution it claims to be? Dr.
Mirza breaks down how PGx testing works, the controversy surrounding its use, and when it might actually be beneficial. Dr. Mirza doesn't shy away from discussing the potential risks and downsides of relying too heavily on these tests. Major organisations like the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the FDA have expressed caution, citing limited evidence supporting the efficacy of PGx testing.
Despite this, there are certain situations where genetic insights can be incredibly valuable in guiding medication choices, especially for those who have had poor responses or nasty side effects from psychiatric meds in the past. The episode also highlights specific genes that are important in psychiatry, such as CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, which affect how quickly or slowly a medication is metabolised.
By understanding a patient's genetic profile, doctors can tailor medication choices to minimise the risk of adverse reactions and improve the chances of finding an effective treatment. However, Dr. Mirza emphasises that PGx testing should not replace a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Genetics are just one piece of the puzzle, and factors like symptoms, past treatment experiences, and overall health still play a crucial role. He also touches on ethical concerns around privacy and informed consent with genetic testing.
So, is PGx testing the key to unlocking personalised medicine, or just one piece of a much larger puzzle? Dr. Mirza provides a balanced view, urging caution while recognising the potential benefits. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of personalised psychiatric treatment. Why not give it a listen and see what you think about the promise and pitfalls of PGx testing?