Pharmacogenetic‑guided treatment in major depressive disorder

Abstract

Depression affects millions of individuals world‑ wide, presenting a significant challenge for clinicians striving to match patients with effective treatments. Conventional anti‑ depressant therapy involves a trial‑and‑error approach, leading to delayed relief, increased healthcare costs and patient distress. Recent advancements in pharmacogenetics provide a promising avenue for personalized treatment, leveraging genetic informa‑ tion to optimize medication selection and dosage adjustments. The present study aimed to investigate the extent of genetic polymorphisms that affect antidepressant drug metabolism and efficacy in a psychiatric population. Additionally, the present study investigated pharmacogenetic‑guided treatment outcomes in a sub‑population of patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Pharmacogenetic‑guided therapy represents a novel strategy which can be used to personalize depression treatment, providing the potential to enhance effi‑ cacy, safety and patient satisfaction. While challenges persist, accumulating evidence supports its integration into routine clinical practice, heralding a new era of precision medicine in mental health care.