Genetic Testing

Genetic testing may help determine what type of medications work best for your body. At Shah Psychiatry in Phoenix, Arizona, Neet Shah, MD, takes a personalized approach to care and uses genetic testing to get you on the right psychiatric medication at the right dose so you feel better sooner. To find out more about genetic testing, call or schedule a telepsychiatry appointment online today.

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing refers to medical tests that look at your genes to diagnose genetic conditions and assess your risk of developing or passing on a genetic-related disease. Genetic testing also provides information on how your body metabolizes and uses medications.

Dr. Shah uses genetic testing for psychiatric care. There are many types of psychiatric medications, and no single drug works for all. In many cases, doctors find the right psychiatric medication through trial and error, which can take weeks or months.

With genetic testing, Dr. Shah can determine what medication works best for you without having to go through a lengthy trial and error period.

Who benefits from genetic testing?

Anyone struggling with a mental health condition that needs psychiatric medication benefits from genetic testing. At Shah Psychiatry, Dr. Shah cares for a wide range of mental health needs, including:

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Adjustment disorder
• Grief
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Addiction (e.g., gambling, video games, internet)
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression 
• Anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Phobias
• Postpartum depression
• Gender dysphoria
• Psychotic illness
• Mental health issues related to pregnancy

How does genetic testing work?

Before genetic testing, Dr. Shah does a thorough initial psychiatric assessment. During this 60 to 90-minute evaluation, he asks detailed questions about you and your health concerns. He may also have you do psychological testing to diagnose your mental health condition. 

If you have a mental illness that would benefit from psychiatric medication, Dr. Shah may recommend genetic testing through Genomind®. With this at-home kit, you collect a cell sample from the inside of your cheek and mail it directly to Genomind.

This is a one-time investment for Clients as genetic testing gives valuable information for a lifetime. This can allow for more optimized care with less trial and error, reducing the risk of side effects and treatment response times.

Dr. Shah gets the results from your testing within three to five business days.

What happens after genetic testing?

Once Dr. Shah has your genetic testing results, he schedules an appointment to talk to you about the psychiatric medication that best fits your needs. 

The goal of genetic testing is to get you on the right medication at the lowest dose, so you get the changes and improvements you want as soon as possible.

Are you struggling to find the right psychiatric medication to ease your symptoms? Call Shah Psychiatry or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about genetic testing.