Ciconia Recovery · Harley Street, London
Genetic Testing for Medication
Take the guesswork out of prescribing. A simple genetic (pharmacogenomic) test that helps your clinician choose medication more likely to suit you — without months of trial and error.
Finding the right medication for depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions can involve a frustrating cycle of trial and error — trying one medicine, waiting weeks to see whether it helps, then switching to another if it doesn’t. Genetic testing offers a more personalised starting point. A simple sample analyses specific genes that influence how your body processes many common psychiatric medications, giving your clinician objective information to help guide prescribing decisions.
What Is Genetic (Pharmacogenomic) Testing?
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how your genes affect the way you respond to medication. We all break down (metabolise) medicines slightly differently, and much of that difference is written into our DNA. A pharmacogenomic test looks at specific genes — particularly the cytochrome P450 enzymes such as CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 — that play a major role in processing many antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilisers.
Your results describe how quickly you are likely to process certain medications — for example as a slower, typical or more rapid metaboliser. This can influence how well a medicine is likely to work for you and how likely you are to experience side effects, helping your clinician tailor their approach.
Ending the Cycle of Trial and Error
Traditionally, psychiatric medications are prescribed on a trial-and-error basis. Research suggests fewer than 40% of people achieve full symptom relief with their first medication, and many try several before finding one that suits them — a process that can take many months. Pharmacogenomic testing aims to shorten that journey by giving your clinician objective information from the outset. It can help to:
- Choose a medication and starting dose more likely to suit you from the start
- Avoid medicines more likely to cause side effects for your genetic profile
- Reduce the number of changes — and the time spent — searching for the right fit
- Support more confident, personalised prescribing decisions
Studies of genotype-guided prescribing have reported meaningful reductions in adverse drug reactions and improvements in treatment response. Individual results vary, and testing is used as one part of a wider clinical assessment rather than a standalone answer — but for many people it can make the path to the right treatment quicker and less stressful.
Who May Benefit?
- Anyone about to start medication who wants a more personalised starting point
- People who have tried several medications without finding the right fit
- Those who have experienced troublesome side effects from psychiatric medicines
- Individuals managing a complex or treatment-resistant condition
- Anyone who simply wants objective information to support prescribing decisions with their clinician
How It Works
1. Consultation
We discuss your history, symptoms and goals, and whether genetic testing is appropriate for you.
2. A Simple Sample
Testing usually involves a straightforward cheek swab or saliva sample — there is no blood test, and it only needs to be done once.
3. Laboratory Analysis
Your sample is analysed for the specific genes that influence how you process many psychiatric medications.
4. Results Consultation
A clinician explains your results in plain language and what they may mean for your treatment.
5. Personalised Plan
Your results help inform prescribing decisions as part of your wider, individualised treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the test tell me exactly which medication to take?
No. It provides objective information about how you are likely to process certain medications, which helps guide — but does not replace — your clinician’s judgement. Prescribing decisions always take your full history and circumstances into account.
What does the test involve?
Usually a simple, painless cheek swab or saliva sample. Because your genes do not change, the test only needs to be done once, and the results can remain useful for future prescribing.
Is it only useful before starting medication?
No. It can help whether you are starting treatment for the first time, have experienced side effects, or have tried several medicines without success. The information stays relevant over time.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required — you can arrange a consultation directly. We also welcome referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals.
Book a Genetic Testing Consultation
Take a more personalised approach to your treatment. Contact our team to discuss whether genetic testing may be right for you.