Pharmacogenomic testing and implications for psychiatric medication prescribing

ABSTRACT: A pharmacogenomics-informed prescribing strategy examines genetic variations in individual patients for more personalized selection and dosing of psychiatric medications for which a clinical evidence base and/or clinical guidelines exist. Clinicians who prescribe psychiatric medications should be aware of the pharmacogenomic evidence base and existing guidelines relevant to medication selection, dosing, and interactions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Although pharmacogenomic testing does not replace current prescribing strategies, when used alongside them, it acts as a valuable clinical decision support tool that can improve the selection and dosing of specific psychiatric medications.