Improving treatment response in psychiatric practice

Abstract EN

In clinical practice, psychiatrists and other physicians are often challenged by treatment non-response, which they often attribute to inherent factors in the disorder.

while, to some extent, this is true with some disorders, the case cannot be generalized.

the majority of mental disorders, which are viewed as treatment-resistant, require comprehensive reviewing to identify underlying factors making them resistant to treatment.

psychotropic medicines are considered effective treatments for mental disorders when their administration follows evidence-based guidance.

optimal response to treatment requires accuracy of diagnosis and thoroughness of mental health assessment, exclusion of comorbidities, appropriate communication tools and doctor-patient relationship to ensure patient’s compliance and adherence, search for stressors, and an evidencebased drug selection and knowledge of their pharmacological properties.

moreover, in many conditions, the addition of nonpharmacological therapies is required to augment response.

in recent decades, understanding pharmacogenomics of administered medications has evolved to be significant in drug selection and response prediction.

this is an overview that aims, in addition to discussing important clinical and psychosocial determinants of good response to treatment, to highlight the current knowledge and understanding of the role of psycho-pharmacogenomics as a treatment-response predictor, a means to improve treatment outcome, and promote better selection and use of psychiatric medications.