The emerging role of pharmacogenetics: Implications for clinical psychiatry

Abstract

Objective: This article aims to review the implications of pharmacogenetics for clinical psychiatry; these are discussed in the context of environmental and sociocultural factors. Method: A selective literature review was conducted using Medline search and other relevant references available to the authors. Results: The individual differences in therapeutic and adverse effects of psychotropic drugs are largely determined by genetic factors. Recent advances in pharmacogenetics have highlighted the potential utility in predicting metabolic phenotypes, risks for side-effects and likelihood of drug response for the individual patient. Conclusions: Genotyping, especially for drug metabolizing enz..