Aloha,

Most pdoc's don't want to take the time to learn about the new DNA advances however, the doc's still in med school are learning how important DNA testing is when prescribing medication.

I did my own testing after several of my docs either said it was "junk" science or simply stating that insurance wouldn't cover the cost. Yes, the testing can be very expensive if you go through some of the physicians who list this service on websites. I decided to use 23andme for $100 and then pay $5 to "Promethius" to have the raw information converted into readable text.

If I would have done this test last year I would have known that I might have a serious reaction to the drug Abilify. When I took Abilify (4mg/day) for 3-weeks it gave me a permanent "Parkinsonisn Syndrome."

I also confirmed what I had suspected for many years- That I am a slow metaboliser of most drugs and have a methalization problem resulting in chronic vitamin defiencies which I believe has made my depression worse.

We, as a community of health consumers should encourage our physicians to learn more about this new exciting science and pressure our insurance companies to cover the minimal costs. With DNA testing we can takes YEARS off the cycle of trial and error when prescribing psych meds and reduce the horrible side effects we suffer while the docs try one cocktail after another.