Pharmacogenetic Testing in
Dr. Jamie Holland’s Assessment Protocol
Taking the Guess Work out of Medication Treatment
The process of finding the best medication for a patient can be a difficult and lengthy process. Prescribers often provide what they feel is the best medication to help their patients and weeks later, rely on their patient’s personal reaction to see if it seems to be helping or not, or to evaluate other reactions. If that medication wasn’t achieving the desired result, the process was repeated until the best solution was found. This trial-and-error process often created frustration and disappointment, sometimes resulting in patient’s abandoning treatment altogether. It also left their providers frustrated, doing everything they can to help their patients feel better and be more engaged in life.
To combat this, Dr. Jamie Holland often introduces Pharmacogenetic testing (PGT) into her assessment protocols. PGT is a non-invasive method of acquiring a DNA sample from a patient for the purpose of determining how that person’s genetic profile may affect the effectiveness of any medications he may take. Using a swab from the inside of the cheek, a sample of saliva is quickly and easily taken. The sample is then analyzed for clinically relevant genetic variants for 11 genes related to medication response. The results allow Dr. Holland to prescribe medication better suited to individual patients, with less ‘guessing and assessing’. PGT has dramatically increased the effectiveness of the medication prescribed in patients being matched with the most effective medicine more quickly, saving weeks or months of trial and error.
Dr. Holland will gladly discuss this treatment option with you at your assessment or consultation.