I've read on this thread and one or two others about genetic testing to determine what ADHD meds might work for my kid, but when I asked our child psychiatrist at Kaiser, they said the science isn't there yet and there's no evidence that the information is actually correlated to the effectiveness of different medications. I'm wondering if it's worth trying to do this on our own, but struggling with the conflicting information. How has it helped your family choose the right medication for your child? Is it mostly about avoiding side effects?
Thanks!
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miriamzz
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According to ADHD experts like Dr. Russell Barkley, there are a number of genes which have been identified which are correlated with ADHD. (ADHD is generally believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, not either one alone.)
There are genetic tests which can identify if a person has genes which have been correlated with ADHD.
One such test of known as GeneSight, which is claimed to be able to give results which will suggest which ADHD medications are likely to work for an individual.
I have read several accounts about people who had the GeneSight or other ADHD genetic test done, and that the recommend medication worked well for them. Some of them had to pay for the test, while for others it was covered at least in part by health insurance.
I have not done a gene test, and as far as I know nobody in my family has (except you genetic testing to identify heritage, but not for medical purposes).
If a $300+ test could have saved me the several months of medication trials it took before I got onto the one that worked best for me, then I certainly would have strongly considered it.
(My poor performance at work as I went through the medication trials might be the reason I was let go from a job. It wasn't the reason given to me, but might have been the underlying reason. Of course, it's impossible to know what might have been.)
Psychiatrist wouldn't use it to determine medications and just told me they use it to see how quickly medications are metabolized. We tried one medication from the yellow category, and it was a disaster. Broad spectrum micronutrients ended up working best for my child.
We had the test done and it was slightly helpful for us in determining the right starting dose for one medication. We probably would have ended up in the same place regardless though.
The test result was detailed and it said Ritalin is not effective for her but Vyvanse and Adderal would be. So back to trying Vyvanse after trying many kinds. I saw them go on sale upto 50% off over the thanksgiving.
We used genesight in the past but more to determine meds for our daughter's depression. It did not give us a lot of info for her ADHD. It is not an exact science but we did find it helpful knowing there are so many different anti-depressants to choose from.
I just mailed off our DNA sample yesterday for my 8yo son. Tempus. Our Pediatrician is willing to look into it. We've tried several ADHD medications lately and it's been a disaster. I am hoping to get some help in narrowing down what will work, or at least rule out what WON'T work for my son. I hate having treated him like a guinea pig all of this time and he's had such bad aggressive reactions it's really messed up his already fragile school situation.
I've also heard from some that the testing wasn't very helpful or a waste of money. For about $300 (which I've easily spent in many failed prepcriptions and med check Dr's appointments) I could have had actual data that could help with choosing a more effective med and dosage. And if I could have spared my son the months of melt downs and irritation, anger, frustration and embarrassment we've gone through this year I'd happily pay 3x that!
Hi Miriam, genetic testing for ADHD meds can help some families understand how their child might metabolize medications, potentially reducing side effects. While the science is still developing, many find it useful for narrowing options. Hydrigenic supports overall wellness with [url=hydrigenic.com/]hydrogen-rich water[/url], which can promote mental clarity. Wishing you the best in finding what works for your child!
Hi Miriam, genetic testing for ADHD meds can help some families understand how their child might metabolize medications, potentially reducing side effects. While the science is still developing, many find it useful for narrowing options. Hydrigenic supports overall wellness with [url=hydrigenic.com/]hydrogen-rich water[/url], which can promote mental clarity. Wishing you the best in finding what works for your child!
Hi Miriam, genetic testing for ADHD meds can help some families understand how their child might metabolize medications, potentially reducing side effects. While the science is still developing, many find it useful for narrowing options. Hydrigenic supports overall wellness with [url=hydrigenic.com/] hydrogen-rich water [/url], which can promote mental clarity. Wishing you the best in finding what works for your child!
Hi Miriam, genetic testing for ADHD meds can help some families understand how their child might metabolize medications, potentially reducing side effects. While the science is still developing, many find it useful for narrowing options. Hydrigenic supports overall wellness with [url=hydrigenic.com/]hydrogen-rich water[/url], which can promote mental clarity. Wishing you the best in finding what works for your child!
I used GeneSight Testing for my child that was a simple at home mouth swab test.. You needed an Rx from your prescriber for them to order the test but it's been really helpful esp if your child has sensitivities to medicines, it really helps hone in on what meds work best for them. I would recommend it.
We used Genomind but it felt kind of scam my. It will tell you how well your kid is likely to metabolize different meds. Our test went beyond just ADHD meds and included common pain medications and anxiety and other similar meds. So it might give you an idea of where to start but it's limited. They trap you into paying upfront. Your choices are shelling out $600 out of pocket or submit to insurance. If insurance pays you'll save a couple hundred dollars. If they don't, the tests costs thousands of dollars because the $600 is an upfront option only. My insurance has a spotty record on paying for anything related to ADHD, and I couldn't get a clear answer from them about paying for the testing even though Genomind's site indicated they would cover it. The tests indicated my kid could metabolize several drugs we had tried and rejected due to side effects, so it wasn't that helpful. If you pursue the testing, I hope it's helpful, but I would read the reviews of the companies out there and avoid Genomind.
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