Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Genetic Testing

TheWickedAngel
TheWickedAngel

Anyone had this done for medication management?  

tommymott
tommymott
I haven't even been aware of genetic testing for medication. My knowledge has resulted from a combination of recommendations by doctors and my own study and experience.
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
My old pdoc tried to make me do it. It's called GeneSight. But insurance doesn't cover it. No loss for me. I'm doing just fine in my cocktail
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
sigh, my replies keep disappearing.

I thought it was limited to anti-depressants which isn't perhaps so useful for bipolar, maybe it's progressed but even so I think it's still drug families so actually it might be easier and alot cheaper just to try the meds.
TheWickedAngel
TheWickedAngel
Its only been available for three years and is more commenly used for those of us who are non-responsive to meds. It tests, from my reasearch, specific drugs including specific anti psychotics, mood stablizers, anti depressents.
ritkat
ritkat
I have never heard of this. It's interesting information for the future if I ever start cycling through meds again.
OlderCPer
OlderCPer
My Pdoc of 11 years also holds an M.D. in Neurology and has a SubSpecialty in Medication Management, he's one of the best on the East Coast for Mental Illness/Mood Disorder Medication Management.

We've talked about this some and he says its a waste of time and doesn't recommend his patience do it. It can be very expensive and many times Insurance does not cover it. As he's saved my life many times over the last 11 years, and kept me Stable on meds for long periods of time, I tend to take his word on things.
TheWickedAngel
TheWickedAngel
why is it a waste of time?
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