Mental health is as important as the health of your heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver. Your brain does more than you would probably think, on top of processing information, and maintaining balance and coordination with the cerebellum (we all know about), our brain directs every essential function of the body, including heart rate, breathing, digestion, and the complex processes that keep us alive and in balance. While most of us may suffer and do suffer from different mental health conditions, some studies have found that almost half of the people suffering from such conditions remain untreated. Along with the answer to who prescribes medication for mental health and for what specific , we have also added ways that can help lower the risks of trial and error.

Since medications, especially mental health ones, involve trial and error, many of us are worried about any unwanted effects even before visiting the doctor. This approach should not be appreciated as first, not all mental conditions require medications, as numerous require therapies only, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, which can be effective in treating mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD. Second, a test called PGx test or pharmacogenomic test can provide insights into your genome, and help your doctor tailor your medication as per your DNA.

Overview:

Mental health issues can be analyzed through various symptoms, including persistent sadness, excessive fears, extreme mood changes, withdrawal from social activities, and significant tiredness. Not all healthcare providers can prescribe medications for these conditions. Typically, psychiatrists and certain nurse practitioners have the authority to prescribe mental health medications. When used under professional supervision, these medications are generally safe and can significantly improve quality of life.

Common Types of Mental Health Issues:

• Mental Illness: A broad term encompassing various mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder affecting communication and behavior.
• Bipolar Disorder: A disorder causing extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression).
• Eating Disorders: Disorders characterized by unhealthy eating habits, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
• Major Depression: A mood disorder causing persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A disorder involving unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions).
• Personality Disorders: Disorders involving enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience deviating from cultural expectations.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
• Schizophrenia: A severe disorder affecting a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.
• Suicide: The act of intentionally causing one’s own death, often associated with mental health conditions.
• Anxiety Disorders: Disorders characterized by excessive fear or anxiety.

Important: Based on our genetic makeup (DNA), medications may affect us differently, especially the mental health medications. A deeper look into some FDA labelled mental health drugs which can affect us differently.

Who Prescribes Medication for Mental Health?

As a first point of contact, if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, starting with a primary care physician or a psychiatrist is advisable. These professionals can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatments, including medications or therapy.

• Clinical Psychologists: Hold doctoral degrees and specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders through talk therapy. They cannot prescribe medications.
• Psychiatrists: Medical doctors with special training in mental health who can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, including prescribing medications.
• Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners: Advanced practice nurses trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including prescribing medications.
• Primary Care Physicians: Medical doctors who can diagnose and treat common mental health issues and prescribe medications but may refer patients to specialists for complex conditions.
• Social Workers: Professionals with a master’s degree in social work, trained to provide therapy and support but cannot prescribe medications.
• Mental Health Counselors: Hold master’s degrees and provide therapy for emotional and behavioral issues but cannot prescribe medications.

Is It True That a Medication May Affect Your Mental Alertness?

Yes, mental health medications can impact mental alertness. According to the FDA, medications for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder may cause side effects that affect cognitive function, alertness, and reaction times. It’s crucial to closely monitor for any side effects and report them to your doctor immediately.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Medications can affect people in different ways, and it may take several tries to find the medication that works best with the fewest side effects.”

PGx Testing – Reducing Trial and Error

Mental health medications are not one-size-fits-all. Due to genetic differences, age, sex, and overall health, the same medication may affect individuals differently. This is why the FDA emphasizes the potential variability in response to mental health medications.

Pharmacogenomics testing, commonly known as PGx testing, offers a tailored approach by analyzing your genetic makeup to predict how you will respond to specific medications. Thus, it helps doctors tailor the most effective and personalized treatment plans.

Why Get Your Pharmacogenomics Test from RPh Labs?

RPh Labs offers a hassle-free solution for pharmacogenomics testing at home. Our COLA-accredited lab ensures accuracy and confidentiality. Our reports are uploaded to a secure online portal that is accessible only to you. These PGx reports are easily understandable, making it easier for you and your doctor to tailor medications according to your unique genetic makeup.

PGx testing is easy. Book a test PGx test today and get more personalized treatments than you have ever had. Still unsure how this works? It involves 4 easy steps, order online, fill a saliva swab, return your sample, and receive your reports. Here is a step-wise guide to pharmacogenomic testing.

References:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics

Disclaimer: While our reports are designed to be understandable, we strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider before making any medication changes. This blog is only for informational purposes.