KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. — Dec. 12, 2016 — An on-demand educational webinar explores how genetic testing can help clinicians unlock what patients need to feel better when dealing with those who suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD) and substance use disorder; the conditions are known to have a high co-occurrence.
Genomind Webinar for Clinicians Offers Insights, Case Study
This webinar from Genomind®, a personalized medicine company that provides genetic testing services, will focus on pharmacogenetic variation in regards to the treatment of both MDD and substance use disorder. The relevant genetic variants analyzed by the Genecept Assay® will be reviewed in detail. The webinar is available at: MDD and Substance Use Disorder webinar.
A review by Dr. Helen Pettinati and colleagues indicated that 40.3 percent of those with major depressive disorder report a lifetime history of an alcohol use disorder and 17.2 percent report a lifetime history of a drug use disorder.
Research has shown that genes analyzed by the Genecept Assay are relevant to the metabolism of opioid-related medications, the treatment of substance use disorders and the treatment of major depressive disorder.
“As medical professionals look to treat patients coping with substance abuse and major depressive disorder, they could find the results of a genetic test such as the Genecept Assay to be very helpful,” says Dr. Anne Marie Dietrich, a psychiatrist in Alexandria, Va. “The test results may be used to help understand a patient’s potential neurotransmitter vulnerabilities, as well as in making treatment decisions. I’ve used this procedure in my practice and have found that it often can play a role in achieving a more successful outcome for a patient.”
The webinar includes the case study of a 44-year-old male who has struggled with comorbid depression, anxiety and alcohol use for about 11 years. Based on test results from Genecept, the clinician made several treatment decisions. The clinician prescribed an appropriate dosage of an anti-depressant, as well as another pharmaceutical to assist in reducing drinking. The clinician also prescribed a methylfolate compound as an adjunct to the anti-depressant, given the patient’s reduced enzymatic activity. Six weeks post these treatment changes, the patient reports he has cut back his drinking and has an improved mood, without cognitive side effects.
This case study illustrates how pharmacogenetic testing using the Genecept Assay can be an informational tool in treatment decision-making, and can help improve patient outcomes.
Clinical research has found 87 percent of patients demonstrated a clinically measurable improvement with treatment guided by the Genecept Assay. It also reported improvement in 91 percent of patients who had previously failed at least two medications.
The Genecept Assay is available for use by any licensed and prescribing clinician. Patients should discuss with their clinician whether the Genecept Assay is right for them. Patients should have their clinician contact Genomind directly to order test kits and/or to receive more information about testing.
Genomind’s laboratory is a College of American Pathologists-accredited facility; Genecept is approved in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia.
About Genomind
Genomind is a personalized medicine company bringing innovation to mental health care through genetic testing. Genomind is comprised of pioneering researchers and thought leaders in psychiatry and neurology and specializes in pharmacogenetic laboratory testing for psychiatry. Genomind is committed to partnering with clinicians to improve their patients’ lives. Learn more at www.genomind.com.
