PHARMACOGENOMIC PREDICTORS OF ANTIDEPRESSANT RESPONSE IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Abstract

The study aimed to explore pharmacogenomic predictors of antidepressant response in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 20 participants, including genetic analysis and clinical assessments. The results demonstrated that specific genetic variants, such as those in the CYP2D6 and SLC6A4 genes, significantly influenced the effectiveness of antidepressant treatments. Participants with favorable genetic profiles exhibited higher response rates and fewer side effects. Moreover, medication adherence was found to be a crucial factor in determining treatment success, with higher adherence correlating with greater improvements in depression scores. The analysis revealed that SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs yielded different response rates, with MAOIs showing the most significant improvement in depressive symptoms. The study underscores the potential of pharmacogenomic testing to guide personalized antidepressant therapy, reducing trial-and-error prescribing and enhancing treatment outcomes. The findings suggest that integrating pharmacogenomic markers into clinical practice could be an effective strategy for improving the precision and efficacy of antidepressant treatments, particularly in patients with MDD.