Originally Posted by apm221
However, it is really hard to know how helpful this testing is at this point (I think this sort of testing will become increasingly valuable as more is learned).

I found this article to be a helpful summary. It focuses on one specific company, although others also do similar testing.

www.thecarlatreport.com/free_articles/genesight-genetic-test-review-evidence-free-article

Going back to the original post, there can be many effects to increasing the medication. I took Prozac myself many years ago and remember it well (and not fondly). I hope that things settle down soon and that it is just related to adjustment to the higher dose.
Thank you for sharing that! I was excited about the genetic testing info in a kind of future-oriented way, too--it makes me think that treatment is (at some point, anyhow) going to be more specific and efficient, which is a comforting prospect in thinking about our children.

The psychiatrist also mentioned that there are some newer medications that behave differently (and have the potential for fewer side effects), but they are expensive and insurance often balks at paying.

The frustrating thing about psychotropic medication is that so much of it is just a crap-shoot, and it can take a long time to find an optimal medication. If I understood correctly, the genetic testing is promising because it can help prescribers make better predictions.

BSM, I hope you don't feel hijacked! I was thinking about your DS and your concerns about his medication when I interjected the information I'd just learned. Using these medications is so stressful for parents, all the way around--and even more so when you see your child suffering and can't be sure of the cause.

One more thought: puberty. My DS12 showed signs of puberty on the early side, and was in full blown hormonal mess all of last year (sixth grade). We saw a lot of mood swings and negativity and he experienced his first (and second) depressive episode. Things seem to have settled down a bit now. Could hormonal changes be affecting your DS? I don't know if there's much a parent can do about that, other than making sure the kid has information and emotional support.