As part of its focus on evidence-based medicine, Princeton House was a pilot site for this genetic test that helps clinicians optimize treatment decisions for patients who may need medication for conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive/compulsive disorder.
“The body’s response to a given medication is often quite influenced by genetic makeup,” explains David Cordon, MD, Medical Director of Outpatient Services at Princeton House and Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health. “In fact, depending on genotypes and metabolism rates, two people with the same diagnosis can respond very differently to the same medication.”
These differences also impact dosing, as people with a high metabolism may require a higher medication dose than those whose enzymes degrade medications more slowly.
“When patients do not respond ideally to a first medication—which is not uncommon—they are good candidates for testing,” says Dr. Cordon. “Paired with clinician expertise, it’s very useful in helping to identify the next best step for patients in need of relief.”
How it Works
The Professional PGxTM test can be performed on site at Princeton House with a simple cheek swab, and results are available within three to five business days. It tests 24 pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic genes that are known to affect treatment for psychiatric conditions.
Results detail the patient-specific therapeutic potential and risk profile for all major classes of behavioral health medications, along with medication interaction and metabolic rate information. A psychiatrist or nurse practitioner meets with each patient and family to explain the results at length and discuss treatment options.
The ability to prescribe a medication that is less likely to have side effects can be reassuring for patients and result in a higher rate of compliance, according to Dr. Cordon. In addition, in some cases, the test can illuminate new options for patients who were thought to be medication resistant.
“We’re entering a new era in which we can enhance quality of life for many people who have been suffering for years,” he adds. “The genetic test removes a good deal of trial and error. It enables us to deliver higher quality partial hospital and intensive outpatient care, and we’ve seen dramatic results.”
For more information about outpatient services at Princeton House, visit princetonhouse.org or call 888.437.1610.
Article as seen in the Summer 2019 issue of Princeton House Behavioral Health Today.
