Latest on pharmacogenomic testing

Pharmacogenomics can have many applications and a presentation at the 2020 Virtual Conference on Pediatric Health Care by Kimberly Erlich, MSN, RN, MPH, CPNP, PMHS, offered a look at the current understanding of pharmcogenomic testing and how it can help with treating behavioral health issues.

She discussed how pharmacogenomics testing can help consider the most up-to-date treatments available because medications may have a different response because of genetic variations. Additionally, more than 40 neuropsychiatric medications currently list gene-drug interactions, which can be difficult to effectively use without the aid of something like pharmacogenic testing.

For clinicians who are considering pharmacogenic testing, Erlich said that there are 2 schools of thought. One considers testing to be appropriate before prescribing any medication in order to use it as a guide. The other school of thought considers testing appropriate to aid in monitoring patient response.

For more on the presentation, check out our sister publication Contemporary Clinic.