FAQs About Psychogenomic Testing Answered

Psychogenomic testing determines how an individual’s genes influence their body’s response to certain medications. Also referred to as pharmacogenomics, a person’s genes affect how safe and effective a particular drug is. When receiving outpatient mental health services, psychogenomic testing is necessary to determine which medications will work best for your condition.

As a trusted provider of psychiatry in New Jersey offering psychogenomic testing, we will answer your most commonly asked questions about this test:

• What is it typically used for?
  Psychogenomic testing is used to predict how effective a certain medication will be for treating a particular condition, including any potential side effects and what the ideal dosage is.
• Why do I need to undergo psychogenomic testing?
  Your telepsychiatry provider may require you to undergo testing before you start a particular medicine. Testing may also be necessary if you are taking certain medications that do not seem to be working or is causing undesirable side effects.
• What happens during the test?
  During the test, a sample is extracted through a blood or saliva test. With the former, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. Meanwhile, your health care provider will give instructions on how to provide a saliva sample.
• How do I prepare for the test?
  There are no special instructions before a blood test. However, a saliva test requires that you do not eat, drink, or smoke at least 30 minutes before the test.

Here at K Mental Wellness, we offer exceptional mental health services in Hamilton, New Jersey. To provide comprehensive services, we offer psychogenomic testing. To learn more about this service, contact us or set an appointment with our staff.