Pharmacogenetic and pharmaco-epidemiological approaches to synergistically boost precision pharmacotherapy in psychiatry

Psychiatry is in need of tools to improve personalised treatment given the high rates of adverse drug reactions and generally low remission rates. Here, I discuss how pharmaco-genetics approaches have elucidated that some treatment outcomes in severe psychiatric disorders are associated with polygenic risk profiles. I also give examples of real-world epidemiological approches that have potential to curtail risks of psychotropic mediation use and improve response rates. Finally, I summarise some of the insights Mendelian Randomisation studies conducted at my lab have provided. Overall, the aim of the talk is to critically appraise the hypothesis that more personalised prescribing is possible in psychiatry. I look forward to critical thoughts, suggestions, lively discussions, and possible future collaborations.

Zoom link to be shared.