Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective:

Pharmacogenetic-guided treatment is a recent innovation which attempts to improve the variability in individual response to pharmacological treatment. In patients with MDD, pharmacogenetic-guided treatment was evaluated for improvements in remission, symptom reduction, and drug side effect rates compared to the standard of care.

Methods:

A structured literature search was conducted using Google Scholar and Research Rabbit. Studies published within the past 10 years evaluating pharmacogenetic-guided treatment in major depressive disorder and reporting remission, symptom improvement, or adverse effects were included. Eligible studies were qualitatively synthesized to assess the clinical utility of pharmacogenetic-guided antidepressant treatment.

Results:

Three randomized controlled trials and one systematic review evaluating pharmacogenetic-guided treatment were included. Pharmacogenetic-guided treatment generally improved remission compared with usual care, with significant benefits observed in the PRIME trial (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05–1.57) and the GUIDED trial (15.3% vs 10.1%, P=0.007). A meta-analysis of 13 studies (4,767 patients) found that pharmacogenetic-guided therapy increased the likelihood of remission by 41% (RR 1.41, 95% CI; 1.15–1.74; P=0.001). Depressive symptom reduction also favored pharmacogenetic-guided treatment, however the difference was small and not consistently significant. Side effect rates greatly improved when switching from an incongruent medication to a congruent one (6.5% vs 16.5%; P=0.045).

Conclusion:

Pharmacogenetic-guided treatment is a promising tool that may help to improve remission rates and reduce drug side effects in MDD. However, use should be individualized considering the cost and potential benefit for each patient.

Keywords: Pharmacogenetic-guided treatment; Major depressive disorder; Remission; Adults

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Will Spence has an anticipated graduation date of July 2026 from the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program. His favorite rotation was internal medicine because of the diversity and complexity of medical conditions involved. He plans on working in internal medicine as a hospitalist after graduation. His favorite memory from rotations was helping to educate patients on their conditions and treatments. Will was inspired to research the topic of "Pharmacogenetic Testing in Mood Disorders: A Narrative Review of Clinical Efficacy and Real-World Utility" because he has a special interest in pharmacogenetics and complex medication management. 

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