Pharmacogenetics Governance for Youth Mental Health: A Scoping Review of Policy Across 13 Countries

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) testing could improve psychotropic prescribing for children and young people, yet youth‐specific policy guidance remains scarce. This review characterizes the international PGx policy landscape for youth mental health across 13 countries. From 940 records, 20 policy documents met inclusion criteria, yielding 190 passages for thematic analysis using the GE 3 LS framework. We found that 75% of policies primarily focused on guiding medication prescribing in adult populations, with limited consideration of youth populations; only one (5%) was designed specifically for youth. Three‐quarters of documents originated from professional organizations rather than governments, indicating a structural governance vacuum. An “inverted pyramid” of policy priorities was identified, with scientific (Genomics, 29.5%) and implementation (Social, 24.7%) considerations dominating over weak economic (7.9%) and legal (14.2%) foundations. Policy coverage primarily focused on medications used in adult populations (antidepressants 80%; cardiovascular 85%), with limited consideration of youth populations; anxiolytics, relevant in pediatric practice, were covered in only 5% of documents. Policymakers must prioritize enforceable, youth‐centered legislation to address these governance failures.