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Genetic Testing for Antipsychotic Pharmacotherapy: Bench to Bedside
Mujeeb U Shad1,2,3
1Spring Valley Hospital and Medical Center, Valley Health System, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 2, 2021
Summary
Genetic biomarkers can help predict antipsychotic drug response and side effects in schizophrenia. This review analyzes replicated genetic findings to improve treatment for refractory schizophrenia patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Genetics
- Pharmacogenomics
- Schizophrenia Research
Background:
- Growing interest exists in the genetic basis of psychotropic medication response and adverse effects.
- Clinical utility of genetic studies is limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent results, and challenges in interpreting findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze replicated genetic findings for biomarkers enhancing antipsychotic efficacy and tolerability.
- To address the challenges in translating pharmacogenetic research for treatment-refractory psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of replicated genetic studies.
- Analysis of genetic biomarkers associated with antipsychotic response and adverse effects.
- Focus on treatment-refractory schizophrenia patient populations.
Main Results:
- Identified limitations in current genetic studies, including small effect sizes and cohort variability.
- Highlighted the increasing use of genetic assays to optimize psychotropic medication in treatment-refractory patients.
- Emphasized the vulnerability of schizophrenia patients to adverse effects from polypharmacy without clear benefits.
Conclusions:
- Replicated genetic findings are crucial for identifying biomarkers to guide antipsychotic treatment.
- Genetic testing holds potential for optimizing medication effectiveness and tolerability in refractory schizophrenia.
- Further research is needed to overcome current limitations and facilitate clinical translation.
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