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Clinical utility of pharmacogenetics in a psychiatric and primary care population

The Pharmacogenomics Journal volume 23, pages 21–27 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

This study evaluated the timing, use, and clinical outcomes of the GeneFolio® Pharmacogenomic Panel in a healthcare setting with patients managed by primary care providers or by psychiatrists. Participants were randomized to receive a pharmacogenetics report at four weeks or 12 weeks. After DNA collection and genetic analysis, pharmacists produced a recommendation report which was given to providers at the randomization week. The four-week group decreased depression severity (PHQ-9 and BDI) faster than the 12-week group (p = 0.0196), and psychiatrists’ patients decreased their depression severity faster than primary care patients (PHQ-9 p = 0.0005, BDI p = 0.0218). Mean mental quality of life increased over time (p < 0.0001), but it increased slower for patients taking drugs in the Significant drug-drug-gene interaction category (p = 0.0012). Mental quality of life, depression severity, and clinical outcomes were improved by GeneFolio® pharmacogenomic testing regardless of provider type, with earlier testing improving outcomes sooner.

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Fig. 1: Patient follow-up diagram.

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Data is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the Avera Institute for Human Genetics laboratory and clinical staff, the Avera Medical Group Clinics and University Psychiatry Associates, Matthew Stanley, DO, Shawn VanGerpen, MD, Timothy Soundy, MD, and the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry Residency Program.

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Author notes

  1. These authors contributed equally: Krista N. Bohlen, Julie M. Kittelsrud.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Avera Institute for Human Genetics, 3720 West 69th Street, Sioux Falls, SD, 57108, USA

    Krista N. Bohlen, Julie M. Kittelsrud, Lisa K. Weisser, Neil J. Matthiesen, Julie A. Fieldsend, Nicholas B. Buschette, Leslie L. Cooper, Gareth E. Davies & Erik A. Ehli

  2. University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Psychiatry, 1400 West 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA

    Krista N. Bohlen, Julie M. Kittelsrud, Gareth E. Davies & Erik A. Ehli

  3. RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA

    Morgan E. Nelson

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Contributions

KB was responsible for study design, protocol, provider education, interpreting results, and the final manuscript. JK was responsible for study design, protocol, patient screening and enrollment, data extraction, interpreting results, and the manuscript. MN was responsible for interpreting the results through the statistical analysis, and contributed tables, descriptions, and revisions to the manuscript. LW and NM were integrally involved in the study through pharmacist report creation, data collection, and analysis, and contributed to the manuscript. JF was involved in the study protocol, patient enrollment, study coordination, and reviewing the manuscript. NB and LC acquired data, were involved in interpreting results, and provided manuscript revisions. GD was involved in overall design of the study and reviewed the manuscript. EE was involved in interpreting results, updating the reference list, and provided manuscript revisions.

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Correspondence to Krista N. Bohlen.

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Bohlen, K.N., Kittelsrud, J.M., Nelson, M.E. et al. Clinical utility of pharmacogenetics in a psychiatric and primary care population. Pharmacogenomics J 23, 21–27 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41397-022-00292-6

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