Effect of pharmacogenomic testing on pediatric mental health outcome: a 6-month follow-up

Abstract

Aim: This retrospective, case–control study evaluated the effect of pharmacogenomic testing (PGT) on the management of pediatrics with anxiety, major depressive disorder (MDD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The authors examined psychiatric diagnoses, medication histories, CYP450 profiles, SLC6A4, HTR2A, COMT and MTHFR. Results: The authors found no difference in clinical improvement between the two groups. However, the number of medication changes was significantly larger after PGT. The treatment response in MDD and anxiety was not different between the groups, while ADHD treatment response was substantially improved in PGT and correlated with COMT status. Conclusion: PGT had some value with ADHD with doubtful benefit for MDD or anxiety disorders. Accordingly, pediatric indications must be weighed against cost, utility and clinician experience. Limitations included sample size and selection bias.