Genomind is a type of Pharmacogenetic Testing, administered by a non-invasive swab. This test looks at how your unique DNA metabolizes medications based on a variety of characteristics like long form genes versus short form genes and fast versus slow pathways. Depending on the class of the drug you are looking at trying, this can tell whether it’s going “work” for your child. For example, Prozac is an SSRI and is going to have the best outcome with a subject with long form genes from both the paternal and maternal sides, however it still may be effective with long form from only one side but unlikely to be effective with short form genes from both sides. This type of testing is not just for medications associated with autism but any medications and can save a great deal of time, effort, and struggle trialing medications. However, testing like this is very expensive and it is important to have a physician write this testing and secure insurance coverage.
As a reminder, the content shared in my podcasts, video blogs, courses, and online community is not medical advice and is purely for informational purposes.
Dr. Michael Murray is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the Director of Autism Services in the Department of Psychiatry and the medical director for the Autism and Developmental Disorders Clinic for Penn State Health in Hershey, PA. This clinic provides care to both children and adults with autism through the lifespan and is staffed by a multidisciplinary team including behavior analysts, psychologists, master’s level therapists, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists. Offered services include psychiatric and psychological assessments, diagnostic testing, cognitive behavior therapy, social skills groups, and behavior therapy. Dr. Murray’s research interests include co-occurring mental health conditions in adolescents and adults with autism and interventions aimed at improving social cognition for adolescents and adults with ASD.
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