Personalised medicine to treat mental illness

With World Mental Health Day coming up on 10 October, personalised medicine company Genomind is encouraging clinicians to utilise genetic testing in order to optimise treatment decisions for mentally ill patients.

Genomind’s Genecept Assay is an easily administered cheek swab test that analyses key genes, selected based on hundreds of studies showing that variations in these genes can inform treatment decisions. The assay is used to guide treatment for a range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD and schizophrenia.

“Oftentimes, we see patients when they are frustrated after trying many other options that haven’t worked,” said Dr Michelle Cochran, medical director, Nashville Center for Hope & Healing.

“We have successfully used the Genecept Assay with more than 200 patients as they have sought solutions to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other issues. This genetic testing provides patients with the answers they need for quicker and more efficient drug treatments.”

Peer-reviewed studies have shown the assay improves patient outcomes and reduces overall medical costs. A recent open-label study found 87% of patients showed clinically measurable improvement after treatment using the Genecept Assay, exceeding trial-and-error treatment.

“I found the genetic test results are a relief for patients,” noted Dr Bibi Das, who specialises in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder at her practice in Palo Alto, California.

“They are glad to know it is not them, but rather some genetic variant, that is causing their symptoms. With that buy-in, I focus on using the genetic information to give personalised medicine, which is a huge step in the right direction.”

Each Genecept Assay provides clinicians with an easy-to-read patient report and a complimentary psychopharmacologist consultation.