Date of Award

5-2019

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Julie Solberg

Keywords

depression, major depressive disorder, pharmacogenomics, pharmacogenetics, treatment as usual, pharmacotherapy, medication, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressant, psychiatry and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

Abstract

The goal of this systematic literature review is to evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of pharmacogenomic testing (PGx) versus treatment as usual (TAU) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). According to Huang & Lin (2015), MDD is characterized by multiple signs and symptoms consisting of mood, vegetative, cognitive, and even psychotic behaviors that may cause substantial impairment in the functioning and quality of life in an affected individual. This literature review consisted of articles found in PubMed, Cochrane, and PsychINFO which were extensively reviewed. Articles prior to 2008 were excluded due to the ever-changing landscape of PGx testing. In this review, 18 articles and studies were analyzed. This review found favorable outcomes when treatment was guided by PGx versus TAU while examining response and remission rates. Although data varied, cost effectiveness suggested some positive results with PGx although further investigations are needed due to limitations and lack of studies. Despite many favorable outcomes, more evidence of the effectiveness of PGx is needed to make a concrete recommendation that PGx guided treatment is superior to TAU. Information in this review will help clinicians decide if this is an appropriate option for the treatment of MDD. With continued research and ongoing studies this biotechnology is becoming more available to the mainstream.

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