Pharmacogenomics: A focus on antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics

The study of pharmacogenomics is rapidly growing, particularly in the field of mental health. Understanding pharmacogenomic principles can be a challenge for many clinicians. Most mental health genomic data concentrates on variability (response, side effects) with antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics. Current pharmacogenomic practice and research primarily focuses on two areas: pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Based on the current literature, genetic polymorphisms of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics parameters likely influence medication efficacy, therefore affecting the therapeutic benefit. Additionally, certain pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic polymorphisms have been linked to an elevated risk of side effects and adverse events with these medications. In this review, specific pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic polymorphisms related to antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics will be discussed, as well as the potential clinical effect these genomic abnormalities have within psychiatric care.