Anybody here ever try genetic testing?

[jonghee]

How was it? Did you find it useful/see an improvement? I'm searching for a new psych. I'm at the point where I'm not taking provider inadequacies and shortcomings anymore. I'm out. So I'm looking for a provider that not only utilizes it, but makes it an integral part of their practice. If you've done genesight or the equivalent, drop a line and let me know if it's all it's cracked up to be!

[Hidden]

I have. It only lists genetic abnormalities are certain gene variations that affect medication metabolism, folate disorders. It basicallylist medications in three categories and says which will work and what won't sometimes its spot on sometimes dead wrong. It doesn't diagnose anything I have two variations that make ADHD medication not as effective for me as others without out these gene variations. This is the extent of what Genesight does.

[jonghee in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the insight. I've always suspected that I was a rapid metabolizer based on ADHD meds not lasting ling enough/inconsistent effects on certain days. Plus I metabolize even otc stuff weirdly, like Benadryl - it actually speeds me up. Even Ambien woke me up. I know I've got something going on there.

[Hidden in reply to jonghee]

Hey Jonghee, OT but if you're ever looking for something for help with sleep, Vicks' Pure Zzzs have been consistently useful whenever I've not been able to shut it down (my brain). I have a similar weird issue as yours with Benadryl so thank goodness it works via at-home pill or ER IV main-lining for allergic reactions (because I've got an anaphylactic reaction to two food groups); however the nurse was like, "wow, you should be out by now" and double-checked his administration... yet chewable, non-habit forming Vicks gummies knock me tf out. I somewhat disagree about the next day "non-groggy" claim; sometimes yea, others nay.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

It will tell you how fast you or slow you metabolize everything Im a rapid processor of amphetamines as well. It was always suspected. Pychs get it covered easy so if you g ave the chance go for it.

[hstroller in reply to Hidden]

Did insurance cover the test? How much does it really cost?

[SunflowerFae]

My Psychiatrist ordered the genetic testing for me after I tried two different anxiety meds and had bad reactions. When the report came back both of the meds that I had tried did come up in the columns for not being able to take them and have a normal/average "reaction" to them or that they wouldn't be effective in the right way.

I had very few options left to me so the next one we tried worked and I've had very little trouble with it. I am so grateful that I didn't have to continue stumbling my way through meds and having varying levels of reactions to them. I'm also extremely grateful that my psychiatrist listened to me when I told her that I'm sensitive to a lot of meds and tend to get side effects.

[hstroller in reply to SunflowerFae]

Did insurance cover the test? How much does it really cost?

[Adhdnana in reply to hstroller]

with insurance around 300.00 for me

[hstroller]

I found out a family member had the test done and it pointed out that certain common anxiety and depression SSRI medicines might not be fully effective for him. He tried one on the "Green" list, he stuck with it, and it has worked for him. Genesight references research that supports the recommendation they make, but also some research studies that are inconclusive or contradict the recommendation. Some of the research points to different behaviors for the same gene types but for different racial backgrounds, so it is definitely complex.

[happyhermit]

This is interesting! My insurance is offering something similar but based on EEG, it's called PEER Online. I think it has a really good track record with depression, but not as much with other disorders, but more because it's still new and they just have a bigger sample size for depression so far. But I didn't know about Genesight.

Oooh, I've been psyching myself up to reach out for professional help, and this is encouraging. The people in my area who specialize in ADHD, especially in adults, don't take insurance -- Dr. Kathleen Nadeau has a practice here, and I would dearly love to go to her, but I can't afford the out-of-pocket cost. And in the past, I haven't benefitted from meds or haven't been able to tolerate them well. I know there are new options since I last tried, 10 or 12 years ago, but I didn't know about these new technologies for helping to cut down on the trial and error. I wonder if I'll be able to take advantage of it? I think I need to start by going through the service provided directly through my insurance (AETNA), instead of starting with my local general psych practitioner.

Fingers crossed we both get good help!

[jonghee]

I HIGHLY recommend it, and I haven't even taken the genetic test yet LohL. But I just recently decided to say, "F this, I want to get better." So I bit the bullet and found a doctor who does genetic testing. Haven't done it yet b/c of covid reasons, but just having talked to a doctor who is familiar with genetic testing made a world of difference. She already knew I was a rapid metabolizer based on my symptoms. My previous doc was like, "Adderall 2 x 10mg per day, that's it." Genetic testing doc? Max dose of Adenzys, first visit. I have my life back (well, close to it anyways). Just got to take care of that anxiety and I'll be good to go.