How Genetic Testing Can Help with Depression Treatment
How Genetic Testing Can Help with Depression Treatment
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
2:15 pm ET / 11:15 am PT
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the number of adults experiencing depressive symptoms in the United States has tripled, according to a recent study published in JAMA. Coupled with a lack of resources and a shortage of mental health professionals, we are not prepared to deal with yet another potential epidemic—this time of depression. Yet, we know that treatment for depression works.
So how can clinicians and patients do more with less? One possible key can be found in our genetic makeup. Personalized medicine tests analyze how your genes may affect your outcomes with medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions. The test results provide your clinician with information about which medications may require dose adjustments, may be less likely to work for you, or may have an increased risk of side effects based on your genetic makeup.
Like how your unique fingerprint can be used to unlock your phone, the GeneSight test unlocks your genetic “fingerprint”, providing insight which the doctor can use to inform medication treatment and may improve your chances of finally feeling like yourself again.
Join this free, 60-minute webinar where we will discuss:
- What is personalized medicine, or pharmacogenomics, for depression?
- How this genetic testing can help doctors make more informed medication treatment decisions for their patients
- How patients can effectively talk to their doctors about getting this help
This webinar will be recorded and available to the public within 5 business days. We do not offer CEUs but are happy to provide a certificate of attendance upon request.
Meet the Presenters:
Holly Johnson is the Senior Manager of Medical Information at Myriad Neuroscience, makers of the GeneSight test. Her focus is on medical information strategy, medical content development, and healthcare provider consultations and interactions. She leads her team in providing quality education to healthcare providers, patients, and internal stakeholders. Dr. Johnson received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Mayo Clinic and then did postdoctoral research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her research has primarily focused on mechanisms of blood-brain barrier disruption in neurological disease.
Ronni Shapiro once said “I didn't go looking for depression, but I certainly wasn't going to let it define my life without trying to fight.” Ten years ago, she was suicidal, “at the bottom of a black hole, wanting to end the pain but knew I couldn’t leave my kids. Willing to do anything to survive.” Over one 10-week period she tried eight different medications. The ups and downs were excruciating for her. Then her nurse practitioner told her about the GeneSight test. Today Ronni is a full-time caregiver for her amazing grandson.