An in-depth GeneSight test review: Does this pharmacogenetic test deliver on its promise?

Finding the right medication for depression, anxiety, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a months-long guessing game of trial and error. The GeneSight psychotropic test promises a much shorter and easier path to better mental health. But does it deliver?

While GeneSight has helped some patients finally get the right prescription, it has also created confusion for others. Many see it as a definitive guide to what will or won’t work, which can lead to problems, like patients avoiding medications their providers believe are appropriate or relying on ones that might be unsuitable for a particular condition.

In this in-depth review, we’ll explain how GeneSight works, its potential benefits, and where it falls short. We’ll also review its pricing and user experience so you can decide whether GeneSight testing is worth your investment. 

What is GeneSight testing?

GeneSight is a DNA test developed by Myriad Genetics that includes two panels:

1. Psychotropic panel: Analyzes gene-drug interactions for medications commonly used to treat mental health and psychiatric conditions.

2. MTHFR panel: Identifies variations in the MTHFR gene that can affect how your body reacts to folic acid. This may impact how you respond to treatment and influence your homocysteine levels, which are linked to risks like heart disease and stroke.

Unlike other DNA tests that focus on ancestry or general health (23andMe or AncestryDNA), the GeneSight pharmacogenomic test only examines how genes affect your response to psychiatric medications. 

Source: GeneSight

Your genes determine how active the enzymes in your liver are, especially cytochrome P450 enzymes. Poor metabolizers break down medications slowly, so the drug can build up in their system and cause more side effects. Rapid or ultra-rapid metabolizers break down meds too quickly, so the drug may not stay in the body long enough to be effective.

The GeneSight test might help you find the proper treatment for:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Bipolar disorder

• Mood disorders

• ADHD

For some patients, GeneSight genetic testing has done exactly what it promises, as shown in the customer’s story below:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/adhdwomen/comments/1dvekss/comment/lbok2bl/)(530)

What medications does GeneSight test for?

The GeneSight test is especially useful if you need medications that target neurotransmitters, since genetic differences can significantly affect how these drugs work. 

GeneSight examines how your genes interact with 64 different drugs, including:

How does GeneSight testing work?

A GeneSight DNA test must be ordered by a registered clinician or nurse practitioner, so you cannot order it on your own. You can consult with and request it from your healthcare provider. Once the test has been ordered, there are two ways to complete it: 

1. In your healthcare provider’s office

2. At home

A DNA sample is collected through a cheek swab and sent to a lab for analysis. Once your sample arrives, your healthcare provider will usually receive the GeneSight results in about two days. 

If your healthcare provider is unfamiliar with genetic testing, GeneSight has a Medical Affairs team that they can consult before discussing the results with you. 

Source: GeneSight

GeneSight psychotropic test review: Key aspects to consider

While genetic testing for mental health medications can be helpful, it shouldn’t be the sole basis for treatment decisions. GeneSight can’t say whether a drug will work, only how your body might process it. 

Below are key factors to consider when deciding whether the GeneSight test is right for you:

1. GeneSight’s scope and type of pharmacogenomic testing

2. Report clarity and clinical utility of the GeneSight results

3. Cost and insurance coverage options for the GeneSight test

4. Data privacy and security

5. Myriad’s GeneSight customer experience and online reviews

1. GeneSight’s scope and type of pharmacogenomic testing

The GeneSight psychotropic test uses a unique combinatorial algorithm to assess how genetic variations in 14 genes may affect your response to certain medications. 

The table below shows the genes included in the test:

The GeneSight test considers all clinically relevant genes and assigns weights based on each gene’s expected influence.

The algorithm is built on human-based data from high-quality, clinically relevant sources, and in vivo, rather than in vitro data, meaning that its recommendations are based on how drugs behave in real human bodies rather than in isolated lab environments.

The algorithm is continuously updated as new evidence emerges, with a full review every 18 to 24 months, so it reflects the latest findings in pharmacogenomics.

2. Report clarity and clinical utility of the GeneSight results

The GeneSight results report includes all 64 medications organized into three color-coded groups:

1. Green: Use as directed

2. Yellow: Moderate gene-drug interaction

3. Red: Significant gene-drug interaction

The report offers potentially valuable guidance regarding medication choices, dosage adjustments, and the need for closer monitoring.

Source: GeneSight

Some medical professionals agree that GeneSight testing can guide medication choices, highlighting the importance of understanding the cytochrome P450 system and the test's placebo effect.

This comment by a Reddit user may give you a better sense of how some clinicians view the practical benefits and limitations of GeneSight testing:

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Psychiatry/comments/s1cuy9/comment/hsfgy0p/)(470)

Patients wary of medications or those with poor experiences with drugs can get reassurance from the test. However, some may refuse a medication their healthcare provider recommends because it’s not in the green category.

Note that GeneSight itself states that medications in the red category can still work, and those in the green can fail because the test doesn’t account for lifestyle, environment, food/drug interactions, or allergies — all of which can impact how you respond to medications.

Additionally, some question the reliability of GeneSight results regarding serotonin transporter alleles and response to antidepressants. They argue it inflates medical bills unnecessarily, suggesting that a thorough medical history, checking plasma levels, or requesting a cytochrome test may be more effective and affordable.

Tip 💡

While GeneSight testing is purpose-built for mental health treatment, its focus is limited as it doesn’t screen for underlying conditions or broader health risks that may impact your mental health. A whole-genome sequencing (WGS) test as an alternative or an addition to the GeneSight test is worth considering.

One such option is Nucleus Health, a clinical-grade WGS test that analyzes nearly 100% of your DNA with 99.9% accuracy.

It screens for over 2,000 conditions, including rare genetic disorders and mental health-related risks such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. It also factors in lifestyle and environmental influences, which play a major role in your mental health but are often overlooked in genetic-only testing.

If you're looking for a more complete picture of your mental well-being, order your Nucleus Health test today.

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3. Cost and insurance coverage options for the GeneSight test

GeneSight claims that 98% of patients pay $330 or less for their GeneSight test and that there are no out-of-pocket costs for those on Medicare (Part B) and Medicaid. 

The company promises that if your cost exceeds $330, they will reach out to check if you want to proceed before they process your test and bill you. 

For those without insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover GeneSight testing, a reduced self-pay option of $330 is available. GeneSight also offers an interest-free payment plan for bills over $100, which can be spread out over a period of up to 12 months.

These terms are relatively patient-friendly compared to similar genetic testing services. Still, coverage can vary, so it’s worth confirming the details with your insurance provider before ordering the test.

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Psychiatry/comments/s1cuy9/comment/hsb5vvy/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)(480)

Source: GeneSight

4. Data privacy and security

GeneSight follows industry-standard protocols to protect your privacy and ensure accurate testing. All psychotropic and MTHFR tests are processed in a CLIA- and CAP-accredited lab, so GeneSight meets strict federal quality and safety standards.

Once your sample arrives at the lab, all personal identifiers are removed, and samples are anonymized. GeneSight may use these anonymized samples for research, education, or quality control to improve future testing. 

If you're uncomfortable with this, you can request to have your sample destroyed immediately. Otherwise, the company disposes of the samples after 60 days.

5. Myriad’s GeneSight customer experience and online reviews

Myriad is Better Business Bureau-accredited with an A+ rating, but the complaints on the BBB website and reviews on Google are overwhelmingly negative. 

Most complaints involve unexpected charges, insurance-related issues, and, in some cases, lost samples.

As for the test results, the experiences are mixed. Some found it life-changing, while others felt it was expensive and disappointing. For example, one X (Twitter) user encourages everyone to try GeneSight: 

[X](https://x.com/iam_me73/status/1905690507327799445)(570)

Others have not been so lucky, as you can see from this father’s comment on Reddit. 

[Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/adhdwomen/comments/1dvekss/comment/m9t7ebq/)(470)

Experiences with customer service also vary. While some customers praise GeneSight’s customer support, saying they are helpful and quick to respond, others claim that a negative review is the only way to get a response.  

Is GeneSight testing worth it? The verdict

GeneSight may help predict your response to psychiatric meds, but it could also steer you away from a drug that might actually work for you. 

To help you decide whether GeneSight is a good fit for your needs, we recommend considering its strengths and weaknesses as presented in the following table:

GeneSight can help identify which medications might work best for you, but its scope is limited to how your body metabolizes certain drugs. It doesn’t account for non-genetic factors like stress, sleep, diet, or environmental triggers, all of which play a significant role in mental health.

If you want a more complete picture of your mental well-being, the Nucleus whole-genome DNA test is a powerful addition or alternative to GeneSight testing. 

For [PRICE.KIT_SOLO.ONE], Nucleus looks at nearly 100% of your genome to reveal your risk for hundreds of conditions. It also includes lifestyle and environmental factors to help you understand what else might be impacting your mental health.

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Understand your mental health on a deeper level with Nucleus

If you’re struggling with mental health and need a more complete picture of what might be affecting it, Nucleus offers a broader, more holistic view of your well-being.

This clinical-grade whole-genome test analyzes nearly 100% of your DNA, not only a handful of genes tied to medication processing. It can uncover rare, high-impact genetic variants linked to mental health issues, including:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• ADHD

• OCD

• Bipolar disorder

• Schizophrenia

Nucleus also considers factors that may impact your emotional well-being in the long run, including lifestyle, environment, and age, as well as key health markers, such as cholesterol levels, BMI, and blood pressure.

You’ll get insights into what might be going on genetically and what you can do about it.

Beyond mental health, with one simple cheek swab from the comfort of your home, you’ll also receive personalized reports on:

• Heart health

• Common types of cancer

• IQ-related traits

• Neurological conditions

• Food and diet insights

You can order the test online and complete it at home. Your results will be delivered in clear, easy-to-understand reports, and if you need help interpreting them or deciding what to do next, Nucleus can connect you with a licensed genetic counselor through SteadyMD.

Nucleus is HIPAA compliant, and its labs are CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited, so your privacy is protected at every step.

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Take control of your health with Nucleus

Getting started with Nucleus is simple:

1. Sign up for Nucleus Health

2. Provide the required information

3. Place your order

This one-time test gives you access to all current and future reports with no hidden fees or upsells.

When you receive your at-home DNA kit, you only need to swab your cheek and send it back!

Your results will be available in about six to eight weeks. Nucleus also provides regular report updates to reflect technological improvements and emerging scientific insights, so you can feel confident you're acting on the latest data.

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Featured image source: Sangharsh Lohakare