The psychological impact of non-responsiveness to antidepressants on patients with depression and the role of pharmacogenomics-based drug therapy

Abstract

Depression is a common and crippling condition that is not easily ameliorated with conventional antidepressant medications due to a lack of drug response. Patients are significantly impacted by this non-responsiveness, which causes emotional anguish, decreased mental health, and a higher risk of suicide. This article examines the psychological implications of antidepressant non-response, underscoring the emotional toll on patients and the detrimental impact on their general well-being. It also emphasizes the difficulties of forecasting treatment outcomes using current prescription practices as well as the link between non-responsiveness and a higher risk of suicide. Pharmacogenomics (PGx)-based drug therapy emerges as a potential solution to address non-responsive depression. By analyzing an individual’s genetic profile, health-care providers can personalize therapeutic plans, selecting medications and dosages that are more likely to be safe and effective for individual patients. This approach offers several benefits, including enhanced treatment effectiveness, individualized dosing, the avoidance of treatment resistance, cost-effectiveness, and improved safety profile. Our work primarily highlights the potential of PGx to revolutionize depression treatment by providing a more tailored and effective approach. We present evidence from studies supporting the clinical benefits of PGx-guided medication management, highlighting improved depression outcomes and higher remission rates compared to standard care.