GeneSight Testing: Your DNA Holds the Key to Finding the Right Antidepressant

For many people, the process of finding the right antidepressant involves trying one medication, waiting weeks to see if it helps, dealing with side effects, adjusting the dosage, and then potentially starting over with a different drug. It’s not uncommon for people to go through several antidepressants before finding something that works.

What if we could take the guesswork out of the equation? Advances in genetic testing, like GeneSight® and Genomind™, offer a personalized way to identify the antidepressants most likely to work for you based on your unique DNA. 

At Revive Holistic Psychiatry in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Dr. Oluranti Adepoju offers genetic testing to help you find the relief you need faster. 

Why finding the right antidepressant is a challenge 

Antidepressants don’t work the same way for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another. This variability depends on several factors, including your brain chemistry, genetics, lifestyle, and other medications you may be taking. 

Many antidepressants work by adjusting the neurotransmitter levels — serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine — in your brain. These chemicals help regulate mood, but the exact way they interact with antidepressants can differ from person to person. That’s why the first medication you try might not be effective or might cause unpleasant side effects. 

Traditionally, finding the right medication has relied on a mix of medical knowledge and educated guesswork. You might start with a medication that works well for most people or aligns with your symptoms. But without additional guidance, it’s often a matter of trial and error, which is common, frustrating, and discouraging. 

How GeneSight testing helps 

GeneSight is an advanced genetic testing service that provides insight into how your body will likely respond to different medications, including antidepressants. At Revive Holistic Psychiatry, we use GeneSight testing to help you avoid the endless cycle of trial and error. 

What GeneSight testing analyzes 

GeneSight testing analyzes specific genes that affect how your body processes medications. For example, it looks at genes that influence drug metabolism, which can dictate how quickly your body breaks down certain medications or whether you’re likely to experience side effects. 

1. Simple DNA collection

The process starts with an easy cheek swab to collect your DNA sample. It’s quick, noninvasive, and painless. 

2. Comprehensive analysis

We send the sample to a laboratory, where they analyze it for genetic markers linked to drug metabolism and response. 

3. Customized report

Once the analysis is complete, GeneSight provides a report that categorizes medications into three groups based on how well they’re likely to work for you:

• “Use as Directed” medications that align well with your genetic profile
• “Moderate Gene-Drug Interaction” options that might require closer monitoring 
• “Significant Gene-Drug Interaction” medications that might not be effective or could cause side effects

GeneSight testing doesn’t guarantee the perfect medication on the first try, but it gives us a scientifically grounded place to start, increases the chances of finding an effective medication early on, and can minimize side effects. 

GeneSight vs. Genomind 

Two major players in the field of genetic testing for mental health medications are GeneSight and Genomind. Both offer valuable insights, but they have some differences that are worth understanding. 

At Revive Holistic Psychiatry, we often use GeneSight for patients with depression because of its streamlined, easy-to-interpret reports and broad focus on antidepressants. 

GeneSight specializes in providing practical, category-based guidance specifically for psychiatric medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. 

Genomind takes a broader approach, analyzing multiple genes to provide insights into everything from psychiatric medications to supplements and lifestyle factors. 

Both are excellent options, but GeneSight’s targeted focus makes it an ideal choice for depression treatment. 

If you’ve been struggling to find the right treatment for your depression, GeneSight testing could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. Call Revive Holistic Psychiatry to schedule a consultation, book one online, or try our telehealth services from the comfort of your home.