Pharmacogenomic Testing
Genetic Testing for Mental Health Medications
Medication response options for Canadians: understanding how your genes may affect psychiatric medication decisions.
OVERVIEW
Finding the right mental health medication can take time.
For some people, the first medication works well. For others, treatment involves weeks or months of trial and response, dose changes, side effects, or switching from one medication to another.
This can be frustrating, especially when you are already dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep issues, or other mental health concerns.
Pharmacogenomic testing offers a potential solution for this. It helps you better understand how your genes may affect the way your body processes or responds to certain psychiatric medications.
For Canadians exploring more personalized medication guidance, advances in pharmacogenomic testing are beginning to expand what is possible beyond standard prescribing approaches.
At Kanata Health, we provide physician-guided access to pharmacogenomic testing. We help patients understand whether this type of testing is appropriate and how to use the results responsibly.
The Limits of Standard Prescribing
Why Standard Prescribing Can Be Limited
Mental health prescribing often follows a trial and response model. A medication is selected based on symptoms, diagnosis, clinical guidelines, previous history, and physician judgment. The patient then waits to see whether the medication helps, causes side effects, or needs to be adjusted.
This approach is often necessary and can be effective, but it has limitations.
Different people can respond very differently to the same medication. A medication that works well for one person may not work well for another.
Some people experience side effects at standard doses, while others may not respond as expected.
Where More Information Helps
For patients who have already tried multiple medications, experienced difficult side effects, or are starting a new treatment plan, additional information can help guide a better decision.
New Diagnostic Technologies
How Pharmacogenomic Testing Works
Pharmacogenomic testing looks at genes involved in how your body may process certain medications.
Some genes affect how quickly your body metabolizes a medication. Others may influence how medications are transported, activated, or used in the body.
These differences can affect whether a medication may be more likely to work as expected, require caution, need a dose adjustment, or carry a higher risk of side effects.
Pharmacogenomic testing does not diagnose conditions or choose a medication for you. Results are one input that Dr. Sanei interprets alongside your symptoms, history, and clinical context.
Pharmacogenomic testing is designed to
Identify genetic factors that may affect medication response
Provide additional information for prescribing decisions
Support a more personalized discussion between patient and physician
Who It May Be For
Who Should Consider Pharmacogenomic Guidance
Pharmacogenomic testing may be appropriate if:
You have tried multiple mental health medications with limited benefit
You have experienced significant side effects from psychiatric medications
You are starting or changing long-term mental health medication
You want to understand whether your genetics may affect medication response
You want a more informed conversation before making medication decisions
You or your loved one is taking medication for depression, anxiety, ADHD, or another mental health condition
Pharmacogenomic testing is most useful as a guide, not a guarantee. A consultation with Dr. Sanei can help determine whether this approach makes sense for your specific medication history and goals, before any testing is arranged.
Not sure if pharmacogenomic testing is right for you?
A 30-minute consultation with Dr. Sanei can help determine whether this approach makes sense for your specific medication history and goals.
Featured Test
GeneSight Psychotropic
GeneSight is a pharmacogenomic test designed to help show how your genes may affect your response to certain psychiatric medications.
The test analyzes genetic variations related to how your body may process or respond to medications commonly used for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric concerns.
The result is a report that groups medications based on whether your genetic profile may affect your medication experience. This can help Dr. Sanei consider which medications may be more suitable, may require caution, or may carry a higher risk of side effects.
Learn more about Genetic and Pharmacogenomic Testing
GeneSight® by Myriad
Psychiatric Medication Insight
Analyzes genetic variations related to how you may process or respond to medications used for depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions.
Learn more about Genetic Testing
Why Consultation Comes First
Why Consultation Comes First
A consultation with Dr. Sanei is the most important step in this process.
In a 30-minute virtual consultation, he reviews your medication history, symptoms, side effects, current treatment, health background, and goals to determine whether pharmacogenomic testing makes sense for you.
He explains what the test can and cannot tell you, how the results may be used, and what role the results should play in future medication decisions.
Many patients find that this conversation alone, regardless of whether they proceed with testing, gives them a clearer understanding of their options.
What to expect
01
Book a consultation
Virtual, 30 minutes, $150 CAD. No referral required.
02
Physician review
Dr. Sanei reviews your medication history, symptoms, and goals, and explains what the test can and cannot tell you before you decide.
03
Testing, if appropriate
GeneSight uses a cheek swab. Collection may need to be completed through a U.S.-based provider, which Dr. Sanei will confirm beforehand.
04
Results review
Dr. Sanei reviews the report with you and helps determine what role the results should play in your medication decisions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about pharmacogenomic testing, what GeneSight does, and whether it may be right for you.
Can pharmacogenomic testing tell me which medication I should take?
Does GeneSight diagnose depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions?
Who may benefit from this type of testing?
Are these tests covered by provincial health plans in Canada?
Do I need to travel to the United States for this test?
Book a Consultation
If you are looking for clearer answers, earlier insight, or a more personalized approach to your health, a consultation is the right place to start.