Genetic Testing Could Help Doctors Choose Antidepressant Prescriptions

Major depressive disorder affects over eight percent of U.S. adults. In young people, the numbers are even more striking: 22 percent of 16- to 17-year-olds and 17 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020. Treatments are imprecise; only 30 percent of patients show depression remission. But a new study suggests that genetic testing could help doctors choose which antidepressant medicines and dosages to prescribe. The personalized treatment plans could help patients respond quickly and effectively.