Can pharmacogenetic testing improve antipsychotic treatment outcomes? This systematic review examines the existing evidence on the impact of pharmacogenetic testing on clinical and economic outcomes for individuals undergoing antipsychotic treatment. Facing the challenges of adverse drug reactions and varying treatment efficacy, the study explores the potential of pharmacogenomics to optimize antipsychotic prescriptions. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Centrale Register of Controlled Trials yielded 13 eligible studies. These studies were analyzed to determine whether pharmacogenetic testing influenced clinical outcomes, such as symptom reduction and relapse prevention, and economic outcomes, such as healthcare cost savings. The review concludes that the current evidence base is inconclusive, with some studies favoring pharmacogenetics-guided prescribing and others showing no significant difference compared to treatment as usual. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes, broad multigene panels, and consistent clinical outcomes to provide more definitive recommendations for antipsychotic treatment.
Published in Nature Mental Health, this systematic review aligns with the journal's focus on advancing the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders. By critically evaluating the evidence on pharmacogenetic testing for antipsychotic treatment, the study contributes to the ongoing efforts to personalize and optimize mental healthcare.