Value drivers and barriers to the adoption of Precision Psychiatry in Latin America: a qualitative study

Treating major depressive disorder is difficult due to the lack of objective criteria to guide therapy. Decision making often relies on trial and error, which limits treatment effectiveness. Precision psychiatry has been presented as a new approach that uses biological and multimodal data to support diagnosis and treatment, similar to precision medicine in other fields.

This study aims to explore the perceptions of key experts regarding the drivers and barriers to the adoption of precision psychiatry in Latin America. Secondary objectives are to explore the conceptualization of precision psychiatry, explore its potential benefits in the context of MDD, identify potential drivers and barriers to its implementation in the region, and identify context specific considerations for future implementation.

This is a qualitative study based on interviews, and a hybrid deductive-inductive content analysis was applied. A scoping review informed the development of a semi structured interview guide. Semi structured interviews were then conducted with experts involved in healthcare provision, mental health policy shaping, and academic research. The interviews explored the perceived value of precision psychiatry, its potential contribution to the treatment of major depressive disorder, and the challenges surrounding its adoption in the region.

Participants viewed precision psychiatry as a promising approach to improve diagnostic accuracy, guide targeted treatment, and use healthcare resources more efficiently. These advantages were seen as particularly relevant for major depressive disorder due to its high burden, heterogeneity, and prevalence of treatment resistant cases in Latin America. Key barriers included limited understanding of precision concepts, insufficient evidence on effectiveness and cost, low provider awareness, high implementation costs, regulatory constraints, and systemic challenges such as under-resourced services, stigma, and shortages of trained professionals.

Precision psychiatry has the potential to improve mental health care in Latin America according to participants, especially for major depressive disorder. Realizing this potential will require stronger evidence, greater investment in research and training, improved information systems, stronger mental health policies, and regulatory processes that can assess clinical, economic, and societal value. Coordinated efforts across stakeholders are necessary to support its development and adoption.

Not applicable.