Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates Pharmacogenetics: Separating Science from Marketing
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Jan 6, 2026 Dr. Chris Aiken, a prominent psychiatrist and editor-in-chief known for his expertise in psychopharmacology, dives into the world of pharmacogenetics. He discusses essential genetic tests that matter in psychiatric practice, cutting through marketing misconceptions. Learn about vital metabolic tests like CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and the implications of HLA-B*1502 for drug safety. He explains how understanding genetic variability can prevent severe side effects and improve patient outcomes, highlighting real-world applications and FDA requirements.
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Prioritize Clinically Relevant Tests
- Check only gene-drug pairs with demonstrated clinical impact rather than broad panels.
- Prioritize testing when the drug has a narrow safety margin or FDA/CPIC recommendations.
Test Metabolizing Enzymes For QTc Risks
- Follow FDA requirements for genetic testing before higher doses of drugs known to prolong QTc.
- Test the specific metabolizing enzyme to avoid toxic drug levels and arrhythmia risk.
Three High-Yield Metabolic Tests
- CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP2C19 cover most actionable pharmacokinetic interactions in psychiatry.
- These three enzymes are the highest-yield genetic tests for clinical decision-making.