/assets/production/practices/62c2e9a6d119c5f060e02cef4fec17cd0eabab6c/images/2673740.jpg)
Two people with the same mental health disorder and symptoms will respond differently to the same medication because of their distinctive DNA. Board-certified psychiatrist, Sylvia Cartwright, MD, offers advanced pharmacogenomic testing to identify the variations in your unique genetics. With information from genetic testing, she can individualize your treatment, prescribing the medication that works best with your metabolism. Dr. Cartwright offers patients comprehensive mental health care through online videoconferencing throughout California. Call the office in La Jolla, California, today or connect online to request a telehealth appointment.
What is pharmacogenomic testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing shows how you will respond to the medications Dr. Cartwright prescribes to treat your mental health disorder.
This specialized test evaluates your DNA, identifying genetic variations that affect:
- How you metabolize psychiatric medications
- How your unique genes change a medication’s effectiveness
- If you’re at risk for side effects from certain medications
The results of your pharmacogenomic testing give Dr. Cartwright the information she needs to prescribe the best medication and dose for your metabolism.
Why should I consider pharmacogenomic testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing makes it possible for you to get personalized treatment and gain two important health benefits. With genetic testing, you can:
Avoid side effects
All medications have the potential to cause mild to serious side effects. With pharmacogenomic testing, Dr. Cartwright can avoid the medications that could threaten your health.
Feel better faster
Psychopharmaceuticals nearly always require a period of trial-and-error before finding the medication and dose that work for you.
Dr. Cartwright begins your treatment with the most appropriate medication for your medical history, diagnosis, and symptoms. Since psychiatric medicines need time before they take effect, you return for a follow-up appointment in a few weeks.
During your medication management appointment, Dr. Cartwright learns if the medication has helped and if she needs to adjust your treatment. If your symptoms haven’t improved, she may change the dose or prescribe a different medication.
After each prescription adjustment, you take the medication for several weeks, then return for another appointment.
You can avoid or significantly shorten this trial-and-error process with pharmacogenomic testing that pinpoints the best medication and dose based on your genetics.
How do I get pharmacogenomic testing?
You’ll receive a kit in the mail that has everything you need for genetic testing. You use the swab that comes with the kit to take a fluid sample from inside your mouth. Then, you mail the sample to the lab, and they complete the testing.
After Dr. Cartwright gets your report from the lab, she schedules a telehealth appointment with you to discuss the results and begin your treatment.
Call Sylvia Cartwright, MD, today or request a telehealth appointment online to learn more about pharmacogenomic testing and how it can improve your mental health care.