Expert Consultations: Real-World Answers

The Role of Genetic Testing in Psychiatry – Interview

Published on May 1, 2025 Certification expiration date: May 1, 2028

Guest

Helen Tellegen

To unlock this audio you need to become a Silver, Gold, Silver extended or Gold extended Member.

Check Our CME Program

Downloads for Offline Access

Download Audio File (MP3)

Highlights

Consider individual gene testing only for specific FDA-recommended drug-gene pairs.
For HLA-B*1502 testing, the risk increase for Stevens-Johnson syndrome is significantly higher with carbamazepine (80-fold) than lamotrigine (2-fold).
When patients present with genetic test results for medications they are stable on, consider measuring serum levels rather than changing treatment.

Introduction to Pharmacogenetic Testing in Psychiatry

Helen Tellegen, PMHNP: Let's start by discussing pharmacogenetic testing panels. Many of us have encountered representatives from these companies promoting their tests as tools to reduce adverse effects and improve treatment outcomes. However, in 2019, the FDA issued a letter expressing concerns that such tests might lead to inappropriate treatment decisions. While the FDA cautions against using these tests to dictate treatment, it does recommend genetic testing in specific scenarios. Could you explain

Unlock this Expert Consultation and earn 0.50 CMEs
Become a Silver, Gold, Silver extended or Gold extended Member.

Get Instant Access

Already have an account? Sign in

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate uses of pharmacogenetic testing in psychiatric practice.
Evaluate the clinical implications of cytochrome P450 metabolizer status for psychiatric medication management.
Apply evidence-based approaches when managing patients who present with genetic test results.

Original Release Date: May 1, 2025

Expiration Date: May 1, 2028

Expert: Chris Aiken, M.D.

Medical Editors: Helen Tellegen, M.D., Flavio Guzmán, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credits.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Chris Aiken, M.D.