Introduction: This study is being carried out to find out if certain genes impact on how well medicines work. In this study, we are focusing on patients being treated by psychiatry services with either antipsychotic medicines (for first episode psychosis (FEP)) or antidepressant medicines (for treatment resistant depression (TRD)). For both classes of medicines, a number of patients either will not respond to treatment or will develop side-effects to treatment. Pharmacogenomic testing for specific genes implicated in the action, or the metabolism/clearance of antipsychotics and antidepressants may present an opportunity to personalise the medication regimen of patients with these mental health conditions. Pharmacogenomic testing has previously been shown to reduce incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADR) and to improved clinical outcomes in patients with TRD .
Methods: To study the drug-gene effect, genetic material (blood samples and saliva samples from the mouth) will be collected and tested for specific genes. Clinical data will also be recorded to observe the drug-gene effect. Patients, aged between 18 and 59 years of age, who present to North Lee Mental Health Services with FEP or TRD will be provided with a participant information leaflet and asked to provide written informed consent if they wish to participate. The blood and buccal samples will be processed using DNA extraction kits and polymerase chain reactions will be carried out with primers specific to relevant genes
Expected Outcomes of Study: Observation of prevalence of genes which affect safety and efficacy of medications used to treat first episode psychosis or treatment resistant depression. Associations between pharmacogenetic variants and presentation of side-effects from the medication. Association between pharmacogenetic variants and efficacy of medication in treating condition.
