A new development in personalised medicine is offering fresh possibilities for people navigating mental health treatment – helping doctors better understand how an individual’s body may respond to different medications.
Finding the right medication for mental health can sometimes be a lengthy and frustrating process. What works well for one person may have little effect on another, while some people experience unwanted side effects or find themselves trying several different medications before finding something suitable.
But advances in genetic testing are beginning to change the way we approach this challenge.
Understanding your body’s unique response
Pharmacogenomic testing is an emerging area of personalised medicine that examines how a person’s genetic makeup can influence the way their body processes and responds to certain medications.
A simple blood test can analyse specific genetic variations involved in medication metabolism and, with some newer tests, how medications are transported into the brain.
The results can provide doctors and psychiatrists with additional information about which medications may be more suitable, whether particular medications could carry an increased risk of side effects, and whether dosage adjustments may be worth considering.
One of the newer developments in Australia is CNSDose®, a pharmacogenomic blood test designed specifically to support mental health and neurological medication decisions. It is now available nationally through Australian Clinical Labs.
Why this matters for mental health
For people experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD and other mental health challenges, finding an effective treatment can be an important part of their recovery.
Traditionally, medication selection has relied heavily on clinical experience, symptoms and a process of carefully monitoring how someone responds to treatment. While this remains essential, genetic testing offers another piece of the puzzle.
It may be particularly useful for people who:
- Have tried several medications without achieving the desired improvement.
- Experience ongoing or unexpected medication side effects.
- Find that medications appear to have little effect despite appropriate treatment.
- Have difficulty tolerating standard medication doses.
- Want to explore a more personalised approach to medication management with their treating doctor.
The potential benefits include fewer unsuitable medication choices, more informed prescribing decisions and, for some people, a shorter journey towards finding an effective treatment.
An important step forward, but not a magic answer
It is important to understand that genetic testing does not predict mental health conditions, guarantee a successful medication outcome or replace professional assessment.
Medication responses are influenced by many factors, including physical health, age, other medications, lifestyle and individual circumstances. Genetic testing is best viewed as an additional clinical tool to support conversations between patients and their treating health professionals.
Research in this area is continuing to develop, and the benefits are not yet established for every medication or every individual.
Empowering people to explore their options
At Kite Consulting, we recognise that mental health and wellbeing are rarely a one-size-fits-all experience. Understanding the options available, asking questions and feeling empowered to participate in decisions about your care can make a meaningful difference.
If you are taking medication and feel that your current treatment isn’t working as well as it could, or you are experiencing ongoing side effects, it may be worth discussing pharmacogenomic testing with your GP or psychiatrist.
Sometimes a better understanding of how your body works can open the door to a more informed approach to feeling better.
For readers wanting to explore further:
- CNSDose® – Australian Clinical Labs – Information about the new blood test, what it examines and how it works.
- Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia – Independent Australian guidance on pharmacogenomic testing.
A clinical accuracy consideration: An Australian randomised controlled trial published in The Lancet Primary Care in June 2026 did not demonstrate improved depression outcomes from routine pharmacogenomic-guided prescribing compared with standard guideline-based care. Technological advances in these areas appear promising and potentially valuable, however may not prove to be a breakthrough for everyone.
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