DNA Testing
Mental Health Care in Wilmington, DE
DNA testing can personalize your healthcare, and that includes your mental health treatment. At Integrated Health & Wellness Services in Wilmington, Delaware, Vida Adansi, LCP, Adekunle Gbadamosi, MD, and the team provide DNA testing if you’re taking or considering psychiatric medications to learn how your body may process them. To learn more, call the office today or request a DNA testing consultation online.
DNA Testing FAQ's
What is DNA testing, and how does it work?
DNA testing examines specific genetic variations in your DNA. For mental health care, pharmacogenetic testing typically looks at genes involved in how your body metabolizes medications.
These genetic differences may influence how quickly you process certain drugs, which can affect your medication levels, side effects, or potential response.
Testing may use a saliva or cheek-swab sample. The laboratory analyzes selected genetic markers and provides a report that the Integrated Health & Wellness Services team can review alongside your:
- Symptoms
- Medical history
- Current medications
- Other factors
How can DNA testing support mental health treatment?
DNA testing at Integrated Health & Wellness Services may help your provider make more informed decisions about certain psychiatric medications.
Genetic information can show whether you’re likely to metabolize a medication differently, helping your provider consider medication choice or dosing. The FDA recognizes this information as one factor that can contribute to your medication management.
However, DNA testing isn’t a diagnostic test for mental illness, and it can’t guarantee that a particular medication will work or eliminate side effects.
Genetics is only one part of medication response, so test results should be interpreted by your Integrated Health & Wellness Services provider rather than used independently to start, stop, or change medication.
Who can benefit from DNA testing for psychiatric medications?
Your Integrated Health & Wellness Services provider may recommend testing if you’ve experienced:
- Challenging side effects
- Limited benefits
- Difficulty finding a psychiatric medication that works well for you
It may also be useful when your provider is considering medications for which relevant genetic information is available.
The value of testing varies from person to person. Not every psychiatric medication has a clinically useful genetic marker, and a test doesn’t take the place of a psychiatric evaluation.
What should I know before my DNA testing appointment?
Before your appointment, prepare a list of your current and previous medications, including medications that caused side effects or didn’t provide the benefits you hoped for. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and treatment goals.
Most importantly, remember that DNA testing is a decision-support tool. The team at Integrated Health & Wellness Services will consider your genetic results together with your individual circumstances when developing a treatment plan.
To schedule a consultation for DNA testing, call Integrated Health & Wellness Services or book online today.