About this Research Topic
Psychotropic medications are the gold standard for the treatment of different psychiatric
disorders. Nevertheless, interindividual differences in the efficacy and toxicity of these drugs
are a relevant challenge in clinical practice. In the past this variability was mainly attributed
to the influence of non-genetic factors: compliance, age, sex hormones, nutritional status,
renal and hepatic function, and life habits, with particular reference to diet, alcohol and smoking
abuse and other drugs concomitant use. Now is well known that hereditary factors, in
addition to those mentioned above, play a very important role in the individual response to
drugs. The pharmacogenetic studies the variability in drugs response on a hereditary
basis. This approach is based on the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms
(SNPs) in genes involved absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME
system) and transport of drugs, as well as on molecular targets of drugs themselves.
Is already known that the variation in how individuals respond to psychiatric drugs is
strongly genetically influenced. Therefore, there is also a larger genetic component to the
negative effects of psychiatric treatments. However, past investigations in psychiatry have
been limited by small sample sizes and inconsistent genotyping. There is proof that
changes in serum drug levels can result from genetic variations in specific genes, but it is
more difficult to determine the clinical relevance of these alterations. Given the high
burden of side effects, incidence of treatment failure and poor adherence in psychiatry,
improving treatment responsiveness is a crucial objective. Additionally, all patients are
given standard doses, and dose adjustments are made mainly in response to symptom
changes and tolerability. Despite taking treatment, many individuals do not exhibit a
sufficient clinical improvement, with significant side effects and this is a major contributing
factor to the scarce drug adherence reported in psychiatric disorders. As a result,
determining patient metabolic condition through genetic testing may enhance a tailored
and personalized prescription and dose adjustment of these drugs.
This Research Topic aims to collect studies on pharmacogenetics of psychiatric disorders.
In particular, we welcome original research Articles, Brief Reports, Reviews, Opinions,
Perspectives, and Systematic Reviews, including but not limited to the following issue:
• Pharmacogenetics of antipsychotics; antiepileptics; antidepressants; anxiolytic and
hypnotics.
• Genetics influence on treatment efficacy, failure and related toxicity.
• Genetic influence on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
• Combining therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) with genetics in psychiatric
disorders treatment.
• Personalized medicine in psychiatric disorders.
• Sex and gender differences in psychiatric disorders.
disorders. Nevertheless, interindividual differences in the efficacy and toxicity of these drugs
are a relevant challenge in clinical practice. In the past this variability was mainly attributed
to the influence of non-genetic factors: compliance, age, sex hormones, nutritional status,
renal and hepatic function, and life habits, with particular reference to diet, alcohol and smoking
abuse and other drugs concomitant use. Now is well known that hereditary factors, in
addition to those mentioned above, play a very important role in the individual response to
drugs. The pharmacogenetic studies the variability in drugs response on a hereditary
basis. This approach is based on the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms
(SNPs) in genes involved absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME
system) and transport of drugs, as well as on molecular targets of drugs themselves.
Is already known that the variation in how individuals respond to psychiatric drugs is
strongly genetically influenced. Therefore, there is also a larger genetic component to the
negative effects of psychiatric treatments. However, past investigations in psychiatry have
been limited by small sample sizes and inconsistent genotyping. There is proof that
changes in serum drug levels can result from genetic variations in specific genes, but it is
more difficult to determine the clinical relevance of these alterations. Given the high
burden of side effects, incidence of treatment failure and poor adherence in psychiatry,
improving treatment responsiveness is a crucial objective. Additionally, all patients are
given standard doses, and dose adjustments are made mainly in response to symptom
changes and tolerability. Despite taking treatment, many individuals do not exhibit a
sufficient clinical improvement, with significant side effects and this is a major contributing
factor to the scarce drug adherence reported in psychiatric disorders. As a result,
determining patient metabolic condition through genetic testing may enhance a tailored
and personalized prescription and dose adjustment of these drugs.
This Research Topic aims to collect studies on pharmacogenetics of psychiatric disorders.
In particular, we welcome original research Articles, Brief Reports, Reviews, Opinions,
Perspectives, and Systematic Reviews, including but not limited to the following issue:
• Pharmacogenetics of antipsychotics; antiepileptics; antidepressants; anxiolytic and
hypnotics.
• Genetics influence on treatment efficacy, failure and related toxicity.
• Genetic influence on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
• Combining therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) with genetics in psychiatric
disorders treatment.
• Personalized medicine in psychiatric disorders.
• Sex and gender differences in psychiatric disorders.
Keywords: antipsychotics; antiepileptics; antidepressants; anxiolytic; hypnotics; single nucleotide polimorfisms; personalized medicines; pharmacokinetics; therapeutic drug monitoring.
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