Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health disorders worldwide, affecting nearly 8 percent of the global population. Despite this, many patients do not benefit from their first prescribed medication, with almost half experiencing no improvement initially. This often leads to a long and frustrating recovery process.
Now, researchers from Germany, Sweden, and Denmark have developed a promising approach to solve this problem: a simple genetic test that may help predict which drugs will be effective for each patient.
The method uses polygenic risk scores (PRS), a way to analyze a person’s genetic variations linked to depression and anxiety. By examining these scores, doctors could potentially identify the most suitable medication for individual patients, reducing trial-and-error treatments.
Although this breakthrough is currently based on research using genetic databases rather than real patients, Professor Fredrik Åhs from Mid Sweden University is optimistic about clinical trials soon. “Our goal is to develop an easy, cost-effective test that doctors can use to quickly choose the right medicine, ultimately helping patients recover faster,” he said.
How Polygenic Risk Scores Work
Polygenic risk scores combine information from thousands of genetic variations across the genome. Since the human genome was mapped, scientists have discovered many gene variations that increase the risk of mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
These scores do not diagnose a disease but indicate a person’s genetic risk level. In this study, Professor Åhs applied PRS to data from the Swedish Twin Registry—the world’s largest twin database. This allowed researchers to better understand the influence of genetics on drug response by comparing genetically similar individuals.
Among 2,515 individuals prescribed anxiety and depression medications, those with higher genetic risk scores tended to respond less effectively to common drugs such as benzodiazepines and antihistamines.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the results are promising, there are limitations. The study relied on prescription records rather than detailed clinical notes, so reasons behind medication changes—like side effects or lack of improvement—could not be confirmed. Additionally, the data was limited to a specific timeframe, potentially missing earlier treatments.
To address these issues, the research team plans clinical follow-up studies to validate and refine the genetic testing approach.
Professor Doug Speed from Aarhus University, who helped develop the polygenic risk scores, commented, “This is a significant step forward in personalized medicine. Predicting drug response using genetics could transform mental health care.”
Practical Takeaway
This research highlights the future of tailored medicine in mental health, where treatments match a patient’s genetic profile for faster, more effective results. Although genetic testing for anxiety and depression treatment is not yet available in clinics, ongoing studies may soon make it a reality.
For now, patients and doctors should continue open communication about medication effects, side effects, and possible alternatives, as personalized care remains key to successful mental health management.
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