I'm a psychiatric nurse, and we just started doing these in our office last year. It has helped our docs so much! Like you said, it's not a guarantee, but this test does help guide them in the right direction to get to effective meds without side effects quicker than in the past.
SHUT THE MTHFR DOOR! 🚨🚨 Being a future mental health professional (counselor) this is frickin amazing! I shared this video 4 times before it was over. I don’t understand why this isn’t just a a part of initial intakes. This could do so much good for the stigma that follows mental health around. This could make people’s lives so much better, less stressful, AND could encourage people to take the medication they need to be their best! I fought the medication system for so long strictly because people were getting inadequate care, this cuts out some of that mess. Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m going to shove it down everyone’s throats....lovingly. 😏
Fellow MTHFR girl over here too. Also, battling depression and anxiety since having my son last year!! I am happy to see you taken more of an informative route based on your genetics. My kinesiologist just had me do a food allergy/intolerance test as well because that can also trigger your adrenals/liver/kidneys and make your anxiety/depression worse. The human body is so fascinating.
I just found out through GeneSight that one of my metabolizing enzymes is non-functioning. CYP2D6 is needed to metabolize about 25% of all clinical medications, or about 2/3 of psych meds. No wonder nothing ever worked well for me, gosh. I would overdose from half the lowest dose possible in a medicine that is relatively tame in the first place, and my doctors were confused as hell. Glad to have an answer to that now.
I did, and it gave me severe mania for some reason which is an abnormal symptom for me, I'm not bipolar. Doctor wanted me to stop it. Not sure why it was messed up for me too, but I switched to CBD since it's not processed the same way so I'm not getting those bad side effects. Also, I found out the hard way agave and sucralose (splenda) are metabolized by CYP2D6, lol.
This video was super helpful. Not just the info on the genetic testing, but having someone speak bout their mental health so openly really helps me feel like I'm not alone.
Thank you so much for making these kind of videos. For 5 years, I cycled on and off of medications because my Doctors couldn't figure out what would work for my anxiety and depression. While I've been taking the same meds for a year now, I know that they can sometimes become ineffective or addictive, so I always have that in the back of my mind. This test is so fascinating and could help SO many people. I understand that it's a lot of work to conduct the test and analyze the results, but I wish it wasn't so expensive so it could be accessible to everyone :(
I did not understand much of this because i am not good at biologi, science or anything like that but i still found this super interesting because i adore how you talk about mental health issues. I am going through a bad time and just listening to you talk mental health in such an inspiring and anti-taboo way makes me more calm and happy. You are such an angel, thank you for you! Love from Denmark ;-*
Hey Rhian, I'm a molecular biologist and would recommended that you always take the natural bio identical version of vitamins that might need further methylation when taken in the synthetic form. I.e. take l-methylfolate and methylcobalamin, instead of their synthetic counterparts folic acid and cyanocobalamin. Also, magnesium, CoQ10, omega 3, carotenoids, selenium, C, D, and E can be taken to ameliorate homocysteine level. You doctor can order blood work to check all of your levels, of course. Cheers to optimal health. 💖
I was just prescribed almost all of these from my kinesiologist! I haven't been taken them for more than a few days but I am happy to see that someone else said the same thing!
Danielle Thomas about blood work for all that u mentioned how can I go about that I want to know what vitamins I’m missing or anything that will help anxiety
That sounds like a great help to anyone who is struggling and needs to switch medication. Very informative, thanks for filming this. I appreciate how open you are. Especially since the internet can be pretty scary. Sending much love 💕
I had this same testing and it was incredibly helpful. I kept reacting to meds that were "typically well tolerated". I'm fortunate in that I have incredible access to quality mental health providers in my area. The nurse practitioner that I was seeing recommended this test and we were both thankful for the insight this test provided. It was a great tool for effective treatment to reduce the likelihood of unqelcomed negative reactions. Thank you for sharing your experience with this testing. It may very well start more conversations with primary providers that are trying to fill the void in mental health clinician access. Cheers to good health!
Rhine thanks for the advice! I got my test through gene sight and the meds that I'm on right now because of it are working wonderfully for me! YAY!!! You ROCK!!!
This is crazy interesting! Nothing has ever been mentioned to me about anything like this in the UK, and I've been in the mental health system a long time! I would so be interested to do this, although I'm stable on an antipsychotic and antidepressant, I'd be so reassured to know what I should take should I have future episodes. Thank you so much for sharing this and bringing this to my attention! 💕
they have found the MTHFR C/A mutations have a possible link between Fibromyalgia (with the depression & anxiety), I am reading a new study about it. Really good to talk to your doctor.
My husband just had this test done, this info will be very helpful when I look over his results so thank you so much! He has struggled so long with panic attacks & anxiety, I hope this test helps guide him towards the best medication!
I have NO idea how you or anyone else can cycle through so many medications. I give you a ton of credit for not giving up. I just took the genesight test and got my results back last week. It turns out that all four of the anti depressants I’ve ever been given are on my significant gene-drug interaction list. I could not deal with side effects, & went to the ER due to two of the medications. Having this happen has discouraged me so much from wanting to try any new medication. I have 1 anti depressant, Pristiq that is in my “use as directed” section of the gene sight. I’m terrified to try it, but what have I got to loose? I don’t think I would ever attempt even tolerating a medication for 6 weeks before I felt a difference. The scariest thing to me is withdrawal or what happens when I can no longer afford medication.... thank you for sharing your story and thoughts on this.
Rhian, Each of us must learn to be our own, best health care advocates. Knowledge is power! Thank you for showing another avenue for learning more about personal healthcare options. Your openness is refreshing and compelling! Thank you for sharing! ❤️
I'm not sure if I took the same exact genesight test but I am waiting for results from a gene test that I took with my psychiatrist. I hope it's as in depth as yours! I do believe it tests for the MTHFR mutations so maybe it's the same one. I hope your results are helpful on your navigation through cyclothymia and GAD. I struggle with a lot of diagnoses as well. If I ever get my channel started (lol) I also want to talk about mental health as well as beauty because it's such a huge part of my life. Thanks for the video, Rhian 💕
How did it turn out? I am so depressed and tired and can't seem to get up to do anything please tell me if the test helped you because I am SSRI resistant and most everything I can't leave my apartment much I. Am all alone in this I'm getting the test done Thursday in 3 days but can't see my new. Psychiatrist until 10/11/23 I'm very sad and I feel like I hate people because I trusted like a child and they screwed me over I'm not into people my mother is a narcissist and she's 87 and she struggles to compete with me and she treats me like a heartless bully and makes hurtful comments about me and says bad things to me and talks about me behind my back she. Has zero empathy for me. I feel like I'm not good enough pretty enough and the list goes on and I have pain so deeply my oldest brother and older sister and my mother abused me and I am in limbo and I'm 58 and my mom was a whore and she was a sex maniac she went to bars got drunk hardly worked and she never hugged or told me she loved me and she told me I had a ugly body when I was 7 or 8 and I am thinking about quitting her for good I use to do all the housework and cooking and babysitting my little brother when I was 7 or 8 to please her she never even said thanks and my little brother was from a alcoholic married man and she was on welfare and starved us damn near she beat me so bad that I felt myself dying when I was 8 and was crying and shaking and begging God to help me she didn't stop until she wore herself out. She left me laying peed on myself and I felt like killing myself many times and I have still had a relationship with her. Everytime I go around her or she calls she gossips about everyone and kisses their ass in person. I could have made something out of myself but she abused, neglected and let my oldest brother in his teens babysit us he had raped my older sister and tried to rape my younger brother and he got away and I went to a psychiatrist 600 hour he said you was raped and you have it hid so deeply in your mind he was going to have to hypnotis me to the 4th deepest level and then we'd know who it was. I didn't do it but I'm pretty sure if it happened it was my oldest brother. Sorry so long I'm extremely having a bad time with my mental health right now and I can't hardly take it anymore
What a wonderfully done video! This is something that can be so helpful to all people, but especially people living in rural areas who do not have access to mental health providers. Where I live, rurally, we have such a shortage and what you said about family practice physicians acting as mental health providers is so true. They are doing a careful balancing act at trying to keep our whole health up, that it would be nice for them and us to help eliminate some of the guess work! Well done video! Thank you ❤️
Very interesting and informative video. So glad you did this and I hope you find your perfect regime! I just wanted to touch on comments I’ve seen prior to mine. Anytime I have been with a patient and they ask for testing the doctor has agreed! Which is wonderful! I generally bring it up with my more difficult cases (clients with many med changes and no relief or reduction in symptoms, those labeled as drug-seekers, etc.) I have seen it help and I have seen it not make much difference. Most psychiatrists I have discussed it with are leery of the results since it is so new, but they can be just as frustrated with the lack of progress and willing to give it a try. I’m very interested in trying this myself! Thanks for bringing ideas and discussions like this to your platform! Again, I thank you so much for working to break the stigma of mental health!
Oh my goodness. I started following you a few months ago, and have been wondering what your diagnoses were and I am shocked that you have Cyclothymia just like me. I’ve also taken this test and it really helped me peg my meds after soooo long of trial and error which I’m sure you can relate to. Anyway- I just wanted to say keep up the amazing work you do, it’s so nice to have someone like me (and also a Michigan girl!) on UA-cam ❤️❤️❤️
will this test guid you and help you find a drug that WONT make you gain weight? i’ve been on prozac and it’s “supposed to make you not gain weight” but it did the complete opposite. amazing video. you’re amazing ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this. I've just found this video it's 02/26/2020. I've subscribed and I hope to see some follow up vids on this topic. I must say, I've found your perspective on this topic refreshing and informative. Be brave
Really enjoyed this video! Deff going to take this test in the future. I have issues with meds and this is going to be very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing! 💛💛💛
This is awesome and so informative. My daughter has anxiety, ODD and adhd. She’s been on many meds and we can’t find the best fit without a ton of side effects. I just found out about this test and she’s scheduled for testing on Monday. Hoping it shows meds to try that will help her. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie DeFelice Hi, I’ve been thinking about this DNA test , could you please let me know how’s the situation with your daughter nowadays? Did the test help with choosing the right pills ?
I’m a veterinarian and we use mirtazipine in cats and dogs as an appetite stimulant when they won’t eat. Probably related to the weight gain you report. Interesting.
Very cool and a good idea to do this. How fortunate are we to live in a time when it's relatively easy to get this kind of information? Thanks for sharing.
This is so interesting!!! I think it's so important to understand your body as much as you possibly can. In my experience, the more I know the more...forgiving? (maybe that's not quite the right word) I am on myself and my health-related shortcomings. I'm curious how your Dr. visit goes.
this. was. SUPER. fascinating. I'm wondering though, you are super well informed about even the anaesthetics you've had in the past - is this a function of the US health system? I've had so many surgeries in the past, around 25 in my 27 years of life, most of them in the UK and I feel like I couldn't get that info if I tried! I mean you've (I'm presuming here) experienced both healthcare systems, and I was just wondering if you feel you were given more information about drugs and medication under either system? This is purely my curiosity asking this question! As a dual citizen who has not spent much time under the US healthcare system, and benefitted IMMENSELY from the NHS, but not found that doctors like to sit and talk to you about types of anaesthetic or drugs at all, I'm just curious! Thank you for making this video, it was really, really interesting, and I hope you are able to take the results forward and find things that work for you! :)
I did this a few years ago bc I couldn't find an anti-depressant that worked for me. sadly there were only 3 in the green section but I have been on the same one for almost three years and I'm doing allot better! this test was a life saver, I hate testing out new meds. the side effects and withdrawal symptoms are always very intense for me
the one I'm taking now is called pristiq. it was brand new when I started taking it, so trying to get my insurance to cover it was a challenge. but now they make a generic version and my insurance covers all of it! its been working really well for me
Question Rhian HY to the opioids does it show to maybe say that you have abused certain drugs in the past?...I don’t want to be ridiculed by others that might see the results....
This is amazing!!! I didnt know this even existed!!! Such a step forward for mental health! Thank you for bringing this to our attention On a totally different note..... where did you get your necklace from?! Love your vids Rhi! xXx
Oh man, learning I had MTHFR had a big impact on me, even though I'm only heterozygous as well. I only eat organic unenriched wheat products (bread, pasta, etc), avoid folic acid in supplements (folinic acid and L-Methylfolate are good), and switched to an adenosylcobalamin/hydroxocobalamin B12 supplement. I've struggled with B12 deficiency for a long time and it didn't raise until I took the 'right' kind for me. In general I just feel more functional now. It's a lot to take in, good luck with your research!
As far as the chronic google-ing, SAME. I had a full blood panel done and had a low white blood cell count and about had a shitstorm after googling. When in reality, my doctor said the stomach virus I had had at the beginning of the month is most likely what caused it (but I am retesting). Regardless, what an interesting and informative bunch of tests and I hope they help you!
My husband had that done...it's been gr8 having but he's still not on the right medication but that's more the issue with the doctor rather then the test bc the test is such an amazing tool!😘😘😘good luck hun I hope u find the medication right thing for u...xoxx😄
This was very informative and interesting. Makes me feel to give my doctor a visit and at least try to go the medical route again. Love your necklace btw😙😙😙 Much love to you💕🌷
This was super interesting, thank you for sharing! I’ve been on sertraline for the last year which has changed my life apart from weight gain which is seemingly impossible to lose. Wondering if this test is available in the UK 🤔Your doctor sounds incredibly informative and willing to take the time to listen to you, something which is sadly lacking in the UK!
This is such a helpful video. Can I ask if you know if anything like this is available in the UK? My partner has ADHD and depression often mis-diagnosed as Bi-Polar. He has struggled so much with meds and finding something he can tolerate. Hopefully there is a UK option. Awesome content as always, thanks so much for your explanations too. xx
I was the first patient to have this test be done on in Houghton! It was very interesting & I learned I was actually on the wrong medication for my body!
why couldn't this have been around 5 years ago?! would've saved me a lot of stress switching from SSRI to SSRI, as i think i've tried at least 6 in total before getting to the one i'm on now. thanks for the video -- might have to try it out!!
Absolutely fascinating - I wonder if these results would change for an individual over time depending on the change in enzymes present and /or genes being expressed
Im curious if you had any issue with Lactose in your meds. I just recently found out I have lactose in all three of my medications and gelatin in my anxiety medication. And now don't know how to go about it thinking on going on to CBD treatments instead.
Please check in with your doctor on this first before withdrawing to avoid any dangerous outcomes. If CBD takes their place, great. But if you need those meds, i'm not sure theres much else you can do than take them babe. Perhaps an unpopular opinion as a vegan but... you do you.
Rhian HY no I totally understand I will totally . I was just curious on your experience with it because I don’t really have anyone to get an opinion from. Thanks doll 😘
This is very interesting. I had my neurotransmitters tested 15 years ago by saliva samples. I will have to share this with my psych when I see him next. I'm on 'a pam.' The others just are not good for me but we are all different. Good luck with your journey.
Rhian HY Yes, my psychiatrist and I both did. He was affiliated with the company that did this. I believe it was in the Midwest someplace, one of the"I" States. I was just so sick at the time & my MD is both old school but progressive & tries for the natural approaches by whatever means necessary. I am just not wired to take SSRIs. I have panic disorder. I was also diagnosed with major depression & GAD, back then. I had to take a year off of work to try to get myself better. When my MD got involved with the neurotransmitter company, he said that he wanted to see how it worked for me, compared with my regular blood work, and I was not charged for any of this. I will be seeing him soon. He can refresh my memory on how he felt about all this & I will be sure to share it with you. I think it's really impressive to be involved in your own therapy. I'd be willing to try anything to help make myself better & educate myself. As far as unsolicited negative opinions, really just ignore those. I always do.
Is the test just primarily for mental health medications? I have a chronic migraine issue and I'm struggling to find a medication to effectively treat it. That test sounds like a good option if it tests on other conditions. :)
I take Lamotrigine and honestly it is amazing.....I tried prozac, zoloft and wellbutrin and they did not work well for me because of the side effects.....Lamotrigine is completely different. If you want to chance the red I would recommend trying it.
Ashley Victoria - I take ortho molecular methyl CPG that I get from my MD. It also appears to be available online. Before that, I used to take Country Life Coenzyme B complex which is more widely available.
MTHFR is a very common polymorphism. There's no need to worry (which I'm sure 100000 people have told you by now). If you have the opportunity to meet with a genetic counselor about these results I would highly suggest it.
I don't have any mental health issue - at least, not diagnosed, but I suffered from anorexia years ago - but I have homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation, so basically my body detoxification only works at the 90%. That, of course, causes a lot of different health issues - from immunity, skin, mental, multiple miscarriages, fertility issues, etc - but it's especially a problem with newborns and vaccines: they scarcely tolerate them - triggering AHDH, autism, allergies and so much stuff...there's a facebook group about that for anybody who's interested!
I wish i lived in the us to try and test this out. Especially after you talked about the zombie brain, i'd like to know if there is a drug for me that wouldn't make that happen as much
Fernanda Tapia - My first medication did that too. Talk to your doctor about maybe trying something different. It took me six tries to get my current mix. I truly believe that you don’t have to exist in a zombie mind. Best of luck...sending tons of love!
Thank you! I just got swabbed today after over 8 years of crazy medicines if they work the side effects were killing me or some not working at all. My insurance paid 100%! I wish had this along time ago!
I've taken most of the "pams" and honestly they work amazingly well for short term use (less than a month), but they're so bad because they're highly addictive and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Normally doctors don't prescribe them because of how addictive they are.
I feel very sceptical about the genesight. Every single drug in my left hand common we're new drugs without generic available. First was pristiq which gave me horrible side effects. Found out that pristiq is basically effexor just slightly different so they could keep there patent. My doc then prescribed fetzima. Got a 80% coupon and was still going to cost 184 dollars a month. The rest in left hand column, same no generic.
When I spoke to my son's psychiatrist he told me the testing is not as accurate as it is being touted. My son's doctor just said that the testing is still in it's infancy and is not something that is super reliable yet.
Yes, this is true. It's about as pin-point accurate as 23andme. (www.nbcnews.com/better/wellness/new-psychiatric-dna-testing-unproven-ground-n437781) While it can be fascinating and it can be a good kind of accessory information, none of it is fully verified and many psychiatrist and psychologists disagree about the results. I did a test with Genesight test to see my own "compatibility" with medications and it really was backwards for my own genes-medications it recommended as "green" had given me horrible side effects while "red" ones had been more promising. I will also say my own doctors (from psychologists to endocrinologists to psychiatrists) have their own opinion on this kind of genetic testing. That being said, I am commenting without watching but it is SUCH a struggle to find medications, especially if you are suffering from a "medication resistant" version of a mental illness. I can absolutely see the appeal of looking towards these services for answers or guidance when you haven't had aid with the traditional psychiatric prescribed route. I mean, they now use anti-convulsants to treat bipolar disorder and lithium is just a bicarbonate salt, so there's definitely gaps in scientific knowledge.
This is all very new stuff but multiple doctors or mental health professionals I’ve spoken with have recommended it and both mine and my husbands genetic info has been verified by our own experiences. It’s up to the individual as to whether they want to do it and what they choose to do with the results but it’s somehing I personally found very helpful. Related to the results 23 and me and other services offer, the more people who participate and take part in the research, the more accurate their findings become.
This gene test was a god send for my daughter who has several mental health diagnoses and has been on multiple medications that created weight gain and/or acne. Knowledge is power.
it depends on where you are getting your genetic testing done. genetic tests are NOT in their infancy, but companies like 23andme or others are. i haven't done any research into those types of companies, but I would agree with your son's psychiatrist and other mental health professionals that the tests you get online or somewhere else very convenient might not have the same accuracy as an actual genetic test administered by your physician. if your physician is administering the test himself (taking your blood, sending it to get genetically sequenced, assessing genetic polymorphisms or mutations), then there should be no concern for accuracy. however, the reason companies like 23andme are popping up more is because this technology, as I said before, is NOT in it's infancy, it's well developed at this point, but it's very, very expensive if you don't have the proper health insurance (at least in the United States that's the case; other countries I can't speak for). so companies are trying to make a business out of it by providing people this opportunity for a lower cost. it's a great idea, both from a business stand point and morally/ethically, but the accuracy of those tests just won't be the same, and that's something you genuinely have to come to terms with. additionally, like she brought up in this video, some people don't have access to doctors that can perform genetic tests on their own (not needing an online consult or anything but doing it straigh through the clinic) this is an amazing option.
in my neuropharmacology class, my professor who's also a licensed psychiatrist goes on and on sometimes about how valuable genetic testing can be for mental health issues. if you give someone with anxiety an SSRI, for example, which blocks the reuptake of serotonin allowing for it to be more available to the neurons, but the issue isn't availability of serotonin but an over-abundance of serotonin (both forms can produce anxiety), you're now creating an enormous problem for someone with anxiety by giving them WORSE anxiety. a genetic screen of genes relating to serotonin can easily eliminate some options or bring to light some better options. we're all genetically different and we have to stop treating people with medications for diseases as if they all will react the same way to it. but, like i said before, it's overwhelmingly expensive if done through a physician. that's generally why physicians choose not to take that route; they don't want it to be a financial burden on the patient. and honestly, just to be totally frank with everyone here, it's also very likely (and I mean VERRRY likely) that your physician may just say that to you because they don't want to go through the actual work of getting the test done. does that sound absolutely immoral and crappy? yes, but it's the reality. and that's exactly why ANYONE (except your current physician) would say you need to visit more than one doctor when trying to get diagnosed or treated. you would be dumbfounded by the variability in answers you might get from varying doctors. one thing i've learned in college is doctors are NOT gods, they really don't know as much as we all think they do, and they make more mistakes than people are willing to admit, especially in the field of psychiatry.
That's so interesting Hope it helps to give u the balance u need :-) (hope all is going well with u and hubby btw) Also, random, there's a show on Netflix called Orphan Black and it's amazing Hope u get a chance to watch it and enjoy :-) Have a good day from Australia
I'm a psychiatric nurse, and we just started doing these in our office last year. It has helped our docs so much! Like you said, it's not a guarantee, but this test does help guide them in the right direction to get to effective meds without side effects quicker than in the past.
SHUT THE MTHFR DOOR! 🚨🚨
Being a future mental health professional (counselor) this is frickin amazing! I shared this video 4 times before it was over. I don’t understand why this isn’t just a a part of initial intakes. This could do so much good for the stigma that follows mental health around. This could make people’s lives so much better, less stressful, AND could encourage people to take the medication they need to be their best! I fought the medication system for so long strictly because people were getting inadequate care, this cuts out some of that mess. Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m going to shove it down everyone’s throats....lovingly. 😏
Fellow MTHFR girl over here too. Also, battling depression and anxiety since having my son last year!! I am happy to see you taken more of an informative route based on your genetics. My kinesiologist just had me do a food allergy/intolerance test as well because that can also trigger your adrenals/liver/kidneys and make your anxiety/depression worse. The human body is so fascinating.
I just found out through GeneSight that one of my metabolizing enzymes is non-functioning. CYP2D6 is needed to metabolize about 25% of all clinical medications, or about 2/3 of psych meds. No wonder nothing ever worked well for me, gosh. I would overdose from half the lowest dose possible in a medicine that is relatively tame in the first place, and my doctors were confused as hell. Glad to have an answer to that now.
Kim What medications was in green side?
antidepressants: pristiq, fetzima, viibryd; anxiolytics: xanax, buspar, klonopin, lunesta, restoril; antipsychotics: saphris, latuda, invega, navane, geodon
Are you going to try Pristiq?
I did, and it gave me severe mania for some reason which is an abnormal symptom for me, I'm not bipolar. Doctor wanted me to stop it. Not sure why it was messed up for me too, but I switched to CBD since it's not processed the same way so I'm not getting those bad side effects. Also, I found out the hard way agave and sucralose (splenda) are metabolized by CYP2D6, lol.
Kim But should not it work since it's in green? That's weird.
This video was super helpful. Not just the info on the genetic testing, but having someone speak bout their mental health so openly really helps me feel like I'm not alone.
Thank you so much for being brave enough to post this review. I needed this. I hope you are doing well
Thank you so much for making these kind of videos. For 5 years, I cycled on and off of medications because my Doctors couldn't figure out what would work for my anxiety and depression. While I've been taking the same meds for a year now, I know that they can sometimes become ineffective or addictive, so I always have that in the back of my mind. This test is so fascinating and could help SO many people. I understand that it's a lot of work to conduct the test and analyze the results, but I wish it wasn't so expensive so it could be accessible to everyone :(
I did not understand much of this because i am not good at biologi, science or anything like that but i still found this super interesting because i adore how you talk about mental health issues. I am going through a bad time and just listening to you talk mental health in such an inspiring and anti-taboo way makes me more calm and happy.
You are such an angel, thank you for you!
Love from Denmark ;-*
Hey Rhian, I'm a molecular biologist and would recommended that you always take the natural bio identical version of vitamins that might need further methylation when taken in the synthetic form.
I.e. take l-methylfolate and methylcobalamin, instead of their synthetic counterparts folic acid and cyanocobalamin.
Also, magnesium, CoQ10, omega 3, carotenoids, selenium, C, D, and E can be taken to ameliorate homocysteine level. You doctor can order blood work to check all of your levels, of course.
Cheers to optimal health. 💖
I was just prescribed almost all of these from my kinesiologist! I haven't been taken them for more than a few days but I am happy to see that someone else said the same thing!
Danielle Thomas how do I do that
Mario Avila 👋 Which part of the comment are you referring to? 💕 🧬
Danielle Thomas about blood work for all that u mentioned how can I go about that I want to know what vitamins I’m missing or anything that will help anxiety
Dude, I am so glad I did this. I would love to talk all day long with you, but of course that's crazy talk. I'm easy to get ahold of, though.
Loved this video! I love how these tests are available.. happy to see you doing better! 💕
That sounds like a great help to anyone who is struggling and needs to switch medication. Very informative, thanks for filming this. I appreciate how open you are. Especially since the internet can be pretty scary. Sending much love 💕
Very informative and intriguing.....thanks for sharing, luv 😘
I had this same testing and it was incredibly helpful. I kept reacting to meds that were "typically well tolerated". I'm fortunate in that I have incredible access to quality mental health providers in my area. The nurse practitioner that I was seeing recommended this test and we were both thankful for the insight this test provided. It was a great tool for effective treatment to reduce the likelihood of unqelcomed negative reactions. Thank you for sharing your experience with this testing. It may very well start more conversations with primary providers that are trying to fill the void in mental health clinician access. Cheers to good health!
Lisa Cogswell Are you feeling normal nowadays?
Rhine thanks for the advice! I got my test through gene sight and the meds that I'm on right now because of it are working wonderfully for me! YAY!!! You ROCK!!!
This is crazy interesting! Nothing has ever been mentioned to me about anything like this in the UK, and I've been in the mental health system a long time! I would so be interested to do this, although I'm stable on an antipsychotic and antidepressant, I'd be so reassured to know what I should take should I have future episodes. Thank you so much for sharing this and bringing this to my attention! 💕
Where else can we find such informative helpful content, nowhere. Only here with Rhian. Thank you so much for using your platform to help others. 👌🏻
they have found the MTHFR C/A mutations have a possible link between Fibromyalgia (with the depression & anxiety), I am reading a new study about it. Really good to talk to your doctor.
My husband just had this test done, this info will be very helpful when I look over his results so thank you so much! He has struggled so long with panic attacks & anxiety, I hope this test helps guide him towards the best medication!
Betsy's Bubble How is he now?
Betsy's Bubble how is he now?
I have NO idea how you or anyone else can cycle through so many medications. I give you a ton of credit for not giving up. I just took the genesight test and got my results back last week. It turns out that all four of the anti depressants I’ve ever been given are on my significant gene-drug interaction list. I could not deal with side effects, & went to the ER due to two of the medications. Having this happen has discouraged me so much from wanting to try any new medication. I have 1 anti depressant, Pristiq that is in my “use as directed” section of the gene sight. I’m terrified to try it, but what have I got to loose? I don’t think I would ever attempt even tolerating a medication for 6 weeks before I felt a difference. The scariest thing to me is withdrawal or what happens when I can no longer afford medication.... thank you for sharing your story and thoughts on this.
Did you try it?
Wondering if you tried the new medication and how it worked…
Rhian, Each of us must learn to be our own, best health care advocates. Knowledge is power! Thank you for showing another avenue for learning more about personal healthcare options. Your openness is refreshing and compelling! Thank you for sharing! ❤️
Nice vids😍 Great work! Thanks for sharing! ❤️
I'm not sure if I took the same exact genesight test but I am waiting for results from a gene test that I took with my psychiatrist. I hope it's as in depth as yours! I do believe it tests for the MTHFR mutations so maybe it's the same one. I hope your results are helpful on your navigation through cyclothymia and GAD. I struggle with a lot of diagnoses as well. If I ever get my channel started (lol) I also want to talk about mental health as well as beauty because it's such a huge part of my life. Thanks for the video, Rhian 💕
How did it turn out? I am so depressed and tired and can't seem to get up to do anything please tell me if the test helped you because I am SSRI resistant and most everything I can't leave my apartment much I. Am all alone in this I'm getting the test done Thursday in 3 days but can't see my new. Psychiatrist until 10/11/23 I'm very sad and I feel like I hate people because I trusted like a child and they screwed me over I'm not into people my mother is a narcissist and she's 87 and she struggles to compete with me and she treats me like a heartless bully and makes hurtful comments about me and says bad things to me and talks about me behind my back she. Has zero empathy for me. I feel like I'm not good enough pretty enough and the list goes on and I have pain so deeply my oldest brother and older sister and my mother abused me and I am in limbo and I'm 58 and my mom was a whore and she was a sex maniac she went to bars got drunk hardly worked and she never hugged or told me she loved me and she told me I had a ugly body when I was 7 or 8 and I am thinking about quitting her for good I use to do all the housework and cooking and babysitting my little brother when I was 7 or 8 to please her she never even said thanks and my little brother was from a alcoholic married man and she was on welfare and starved us damn near she beat me so bad that I felt myself dying when I was 8 and was crying and shaking and begging God to help me she didn't stop until she wore herself out. She left me laying peed on myself and I felt like killing myself many times and I have still had a relationship with her. Everytime I go around her or she calls she gossips about everyone and kisses their ass in person. I could have made something out of myself but she abused, neglected and let my oldest brother in his teens babysit us he had raped my older sister and tried to rape my younger brother and he got away and I went to a psychiatrist 600 hour he said you was raped and you have it hid so deeply in your mind he was going to have to hypnotis me to the 4th deepest level and then we'd know who it was. I didn't do it but I'm pretty sure if it happened it was my oldest brother. Sorry so long I'm extremely having a bad time with my mental health right now and I can't hardly take it anymore
What a wonderfully done video! This is something that can be so helpful to all people, but especially people living in rural areas who do not have access to mental health providers. Where I live, rurally, we have such a shortage and what you said about family practice physicians acting as mental health providers is so true. They are doing a careful balancing act at trying to keep our whole health up, that it would be nice for them and us to help eliminate some of the guess work! Well done video! Thank you ❤️
Very interesting and informative video. So glad you did this and I hope you find your perfect regime! I just wanted to touch on comments I’ve seen prior to mine. Anytime I have been with a patient and they ask for testing the doctor has agreed! Which is wonderful! I generally bring it up with my more difficult cases (clients with many med changes and no relief or reduction in symptoms, those labeled as drug-seekers, etc.) I have seen it help and I have seen it not make much difference. Most psychiatrists I have discussed it with are leery of the results since it is so new, but they can be just as frustrated with the lack of progress and willing to give it a try. I’m very interested in trying this myself! Thanks for bringing ideas and discussions like this to your platform! Again, I thank you so much for working to break the stigma of mental health!
Oh my goodness. I started following you a few months ago, and have been wondering what your diagnoses were and I am shocked that you have Cyclothymia just like me. I’ve also taken this test and it really helped me peg my meds after soooo long of trial and error which I’m sure you can relate to. Anyway- I just wanted to say keep up the amazing work you do, it’s so nice to have someone like me (and also a Michigan girl!) on UA-cam ❤️❤️❤️
will this test guid you and help you find a drug that WONT make you gain weight? i’ve been on prozac and it’s “supposed to make you not gain weight” but it did the complete opposite. amazing video. you’re amazing ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this. I've just found this video it's 02/26/2020. I've subscribed and I hope to see some follow up vids on this topic. I must say, I've found your perspective on this topic refreshing and informative. Be brave
I always appreciate your mental health videos. Thanks for giving more information & resources!
Really enjoyed this video! Deff going to take this test in the future. I have issues with meds and this is going to be very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing! 💛💛💛
This is awesome and so informative. My daughter has anxiety, ODD and adhd. She’s been on many meds and we can’t find the best fit without a ton of side effects. I just found out about this test and she’s scheduled for testing on Monday. Hoping it shows meds to try that will help her. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie DeFelice Hi, I’ve been thinking about this DNA test , could you please let me know how’s the situation with your daughter nowadays? Did the test help with choosing the right pills ?
Hello @debbiedefelice974 did y’all take the test? Did it help? My doctor just had one sent to me to take and I am very curious. Thanks so much.
I’m a veterinarian and we use mirtazipine in cats and dogs as an appetite stimulant when they won’t eat. Probably related to the weight gain you report. Interesting.
Yes!
It’s also used for eating disorder or cancer patients too.
Seroquel and Depakote have similar side effects. I gained close to 50 pounds on Seroquel. Gained on Depakote and mirtazipine. Cant take any of them.
Very cool and a good idea to do this. How fortunate are we to live in a time when it's relatively easy to get this kind of information? Thanks for sharing.
This was incredibly helpful and interesting. I’m definitely going to talk with my doctor about this. Thank you Rhian 🖤
Hope things are getting a little better for you!
Ok I’m going to give u a hug , bipolar runs in my family and I’m on meds for anxiety and depression
Where do you get all of your necklaces?! There just so cute, chic and simple...I love them!
This is so interesting!!! I think it's so important to understand your body as much as you possibly can. In my experience, the more I know the more...forgiving? (maybe that's not quite the right word) I am on myself and my health-related shortcomings. I'm curious how your Dr. visit goes.
this. was. SUPER. fascinating. I'm wondering though, you are super well informed about even the anaesthetics you've had in the past - is this a function of the US health system? I've had so many surgeries in the past, around 25 in my 27 years of life, most of them in the UK and I feel like I couldn't get that info if I tried! I mean you've (I'm presuming here) experienced both healthcare systems, and I was just wondering if you feel you were given more information about drugs and medication under either system? This is purely my curiosity asking this question! As a dual citizen who has not spent much time under the US healthcare system, and benefitted IMMENSELY from the NHS, but not found that doctors like to sit and talk to you about types of anaesthetic or drugs at all, I'm just curious! Thank you for making this video, it was really, really interesting, and I hope you are able to take the results forward and find things that work for you! :)
Since you ordered this through your doctor did insurance cover it?
I did this a few years ago bc I couldn't find an anti-depressant that worked for me. sadly there were only 3 in the green section but I have been on the same one for almost three years and I'm doing allot better! this test was a life saver, I hate testing out new meds. the side effects and withdrawal symptoms are always very intense for me
the one I'm taking now is called pristiq. it was brand new when I started taking it, so trying to get my insurance to cover it was a challenge. but now they make a generic version and my insurance covers all of it! its been working really well for me
Izzy Uban I'm happy for you. Are you feeling normal nowadays?
thank you! I'm doing pretty good!
Great video! I might try this test out. Thanks for the great information!
Question Rhian HY to the opioids does it show to maybe say that you have abused certain drugs in the past?...I don’t want to be ridiculed by others that might see the results....
Really interesting and informative! Thank you Rhian! 🙏🏻❤️
Hi hun. Can i do this in the UK? x
Hey, i've no idea but check their website or ask your doctor if theres an equivalent.
A doctor has to order it here so probably the same there!
This is amazing!!! I didnt know this even existed!!! Such a step forward for mental health!
Thank you for bringing this to our attention
On a totally different note..... where did you get your necklace from?!
Love your vids Rhi!
xXx
Oh man, learning I had MTHFR had a big impact on me, even though I'm only heterozygous as well. I only eat organic unenriched wheat products (bread, pasta, etc), avoid folic acid in supplements (folinic acid and L-Methylfolate are good), and switched to an adenosylcobalamin/hydroxocobalamin B12 supplement. I've struggled with B12 deficiency for a long time and it didn't raise until I took the 'right' kind for me. In general I just feel more functional now. It's a lot to take in, good luck with your research!
As far as the chronic google-ing, SAME. I had a full blood panel done and had a low white blood cell count and about had a shitstorm after googling. When in reality, my doctor said the stomach virus I had had at the beginning of the month is most likely what caused it (but I am retesting). Regardless, what an interesting and informative bunch of tests and I hope they help you!
this was so much useful!!! thank youuuuuu
My husband had that done...it's been gr8 having but he's still not on the right medication but that's more the issue with the doctor rather then the test bc the test is such an amazing tool!😘😘😘good luck hun I hope u find the medication right thing for u...xoxx😄
I hope he finds some relief soon!! X
Juels Lee did the website work for him 100% and is he better now?
This was very informative and interesting. Makes me feel to give my doctor a visit and at least try to go the medical route again. Love your necklace btw😙😙😙 Much love to you💕🌷
This was super interesting, thank you for sharing! I’ve been on sertraline for the last year which has changed my life apart from weight gain which is seemingly impossible to lose. Wondering if this test is available in the UK 🤔Your doctor sounds incredibly informative and willing to take the time to listen to you, something which is sadly lacking in the UK!
Love all your videos, watching now!!!! 💕💙🖤
This is such a helpful video. Can I ask if you know if anything like this is available in the UK? My partner has ADHD and depression often mis-diagnosed as Bi-Polar. He has struggled so much with meds and finding something he can tolerate. Hopefully there is a UK option. Awesome content as always, thanks so much for your explanations too. xx
I was the first patient to have this test be done on in Houghton! It was very interesting & I learned I was actually on the wrong medication for my body!
Chandra M Are you feeling okay nowadays?
I have to find out where i can get something like that in Canada...
C.A.M.H. maybe?
That’s so interesting! I have MTHFR and never knew it was connected to mental health issues ! Explains a lot Hahahah
Steph what is that
Is there a company like this in the UK? X
thanks for the info. really helps.
Do you know if you can get this test without a doctor prescribing it?
why couldn't this have been around 5 years ago?! would've saved me a lot of stress switching from SSRI to SSRI, as i think i've tried at least 6 in total before getting to the one i'm on now. thanks for the video -- might have to try it out!!
Emily Taylor Are you feeling normal nowadays?
Maurício Jr. i’m feeling much better, thank you :)
Absolutely fascinating - I wonder if these results would change for an individual over time depending on the change in enzymes present and /or genes being expressed
I was just talking to my doctor about this last week..really trying to figure out the right medicine for me. Your story sounds a lot similar to mine.
Im curious if you had any issue with Lactose in your meds. I just recently found out I have lactose in all three of my medications and gelatin in my anxiety medication. And now don't know how to go about it thinking on going on to CBD treatments instead.
Please check in with your doctor on this first before withdrawing to avoid any dangerous outcomes.
If CBD takes their place, great. But if you need those meds, i'm not sure theres much else you can do than take them babe. Perhaps an unpopular opinion as a vegan but... you do you.
Rhian HY no I totally understand I will totally . I was just curious on your experience with it because I don’t really have anyone to get an opinion from. Thanks doll 😘
This is very interesting. I had my neurotransmitters tested 15 years ago by saliva samples. I will have to share this with my psych when I see him next. I'm on 'a pam.' The others just are not good for me but we are all different. Good luck with your journey.
Did you find the results from your tests helpful?
Rhian HY Yes, my psychiatrist and I both did. He was affiliated with the company that did this. I believe it was in the Midwest someplace, one of the"I" States. I was just so sick at the time & my MD is both old school but progressive & tries for the natural approaches by whatever means necessary. I am just not wired to take SSRIs. I have panic disorder. I was also diagnosed with major depression & GAD, back then. I had to take a year off of work to try to get myself better. When my MD got involved with the neurotransmitter company, he said that he wanted to see how it worked for me, compared with my regular blood work, and I was not charged for any of this. I will be seeing him soon. He can refresh my memory on how he felt about all this & I will be sure to share it with you.
I think it's really impressive to be involved in your own therapy. I'd be willing to try anything to help make myself better & educate myself.
As far as unsolicited negative opinions, really just ignore those. I always do.
Are you a high metabolizer?
Is the test just primarily for mental health medications? I have a chronic migraine issue and I'm struggling to find a medication to effectively treat it. That test sounds like a good option if it tests on other conditions. :)
I've got the mthfr gene mutation too. Also effects things you should/shouldn't eat.
Thank you! Just a simple, heartfelt thank you!
Hugs
I take Citalopram more for anxiety than depression. Never had side effects.
I take Lamotrigine and honestly it is amazing.....I tried prozac, zoloft and wellbutrin and they did not work well for me because of the side effects.....Lamotrigine is completely different. If you want to chance the red I would recommend trying it.
Super informative! I have the methyl gene issue from one parent. I feel so much better taking a b complex that is methyl. Day and night for me !
M Maddox - me too! Just recently got tested.
I still don’t fully understand that part but I’m so glad you found something that helped x
Can I ask you which one? I think I have two Methyl genes and I literally feel like crap most of the time.
Ashley Victoria - I take ortho molecular methyl CPG that I get from my MD. It also appears to be available online. Before that, I used to take Country Life Coenzyme B complex which is more widely available.
Thank you for sharing sweetheart. 💙💙
Thank you for sharing!
MTHFR is a very common polymorphism. There's no need to worry (which I'm sure 100000 people have told you by now). If you have the opportunity to meet with a genetic counselor about these results I would highly suggest it.
I don't have any mental health issue - at least, not diagnosed, but I suffered from anorexia years ago - but I have homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation, so basically my body detoxification only works at the 90%. That, of course, causes a lot of different health issues - from immunity, skin, mental, multiple miscarriages, fertility issues, etc - but it's especially a problem with newborns and vaccines: they scarcely tolerate them - triggering AHDH, autism, allergies and so much stuff...there's a facebook group about that for anybody who's interested!
I wish i lived in the us to try and test this out. Especially after you talked about the zombie brain, i'd like to know if there is a drug for me that wouldn't make that happen as much
Fernanda Tapia - My first medication did that too. Talk to your doctor about maybe trying something different. It took me six tries to get my current mix. I truly believe that you don’t have to exist in a zombie mind. Best of luck...sending tons of love!
There may be a similar service in your country!
Thank you! I just got swabbed today after over 8 years of crazy medicines if they work the side effects were killing me or some not working at all. My insurance paid 100%! I wish had this along time ago!
Did the test work? What are you taking and did you find the gene test helpful
I've taken most of the "pams" and honestly they work amazingly well for short term use (less than a month), but they're so bad because they're highly addictive and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Normally doctors don't prescribe them because of how addictive they are.
It may be beneficial to look at the work of Psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede. Interesting stuff.
Is that an ember mug?
I feel very sceptical about the genesight. Every single drug in my left hand common we're new drugs without generic available. First was pristiq which gave me horrible side effects. Found out that pristiq is basically effexor just slightly different so they could keep there patent. My doc then prescribed fetzima. Got a 80% coupon and was still going to cost 184 dollars a month. The rest in left hand column, same no generic.
Definitely contact them with concerns on this! genesight.com/contact/
When I spoke to my son's psychiatrist he told me the testing is not as accurate as it is being touted. My son's doctor just said that the testing is still in it's infancy and is not something that is super reliable yet.
Yes, this is true. It's about as pin-point accurate as 23andme. (www.nbcnews.com/better/wellness/new-psychiatric-dna-testing-unproven-ground-n437781)
While it can be fascinating and it can be a good kind of accessory information, none of it is fully verified and many psychiatrist and psychologists disagree about the results.
I did a test with Genesight test to see my own "compatibility" with medications and it really was backwards for my own genes-medications it recommended as "green" had given me horrible side effects while "red" ones had been more promising. I will also say my own doctors (from psychologists to endocrinologists to psychiatrists) have their own opinion on this kind of genetic testing.
That being said, I am commenting without watching but it is SUCH a struggle to find medications, especially if you are suffering from a "medication resistant" version of a mental illness. I can absolutely see the appeal of looking towards these services for answers or guidance when you haven't had aid with the traditional psychiatric prescribed route. I mean, they now use anti-convulsants to treat bipolar disorder and lithium is just a bicarbonate salt, so there's definitely gaps in scientific knowledge.
This is all very new stuff but multiple doctors or mental health professionals I’ve spoken with have recommended it and both mine and my husbands genetic info has been verified by our own experiences.
It’s up to the individual as to whether they want to do it and what they choose to do with the results but it’s somehing I personally found very helpful.
Related to the results 23 and me and other services offer, the more people who participate and take part in the research, the more accurate their findings become.
This gene test was a god send for my daughter who has several mental health diagnoses and has been on multiple medications that created weight gain and/or acne. Knowledge is power.
it depends on where you are getting your genetic testing done. genetic tests are NOT in their infancy, but companies like 23andme or others are. i haven't done any research into those types of companies, but I would agree with your son's psychiatrist and other mental health professionals that the tests you get online or somewhere else very convenient might not have the same accuracy as an actual genetic test administered by your physician. if your physician is administering the test himself (taking your blood, sending it to get genetically sequenced, assessing genetic polymorphisms or mutations), then there should be no concern for accuracy. however, the reason companies like 23andme are popping up more is because this technology, as I said before, is NOT in it's infancy, it's well developed at this point, but it's very, very expensive if you don't have the proper health insurance (at least in the United States that's the case; other countries I can't speak for). so companies are trying to make a business out of it by providing people this opportunity for a lower cost. it's a great idea, both from a business stand point and morally/ethically, but the accuracy of those tests just won't be the same, and that's something you genuinely have to come to terms with. additionally, like she brought up in this video, some people don't have access to doctors that can perform genetic tests on their own (not needing an online consult or anything but doing it straigh through the clinic) this is an amazing option.
in my neuropharmacology class, my professor who's also a licensed psychiatrist goes on and on sometimes about how valuable genetic testing can be for mental health issues. if you give someone with anxiety an SSRI, for example, which blocks the reuptake of serotonin allowing for it to be more available to the neurons, but the issue isn't availability of serotonin but an over-abundance of serotonin (both forms can produce anxiety), you're now creating an enormous problem for someone with anxiety by giving them WORSE anxiety. a genetic screen of genes relating to serotonin can easily eliminate some options or bring to light some better options. we're all genetically different and we have to stop treating people with medications for diseases as if they all will react the same way to it. but, like i said before, it's overwhelmingly expensive if done through a physician. that's generally why physicians choose not to take that route; they don't want it to be a financial burden on the patient. and honestly, just to be totally frank with everyone here, it's also very likely (and I mean VERRRY likely) that your physician may just say that to you because they don't want to go through the actual work of getting the test done. does that sound absolutely immoral and crappy? yes, but it's the reality. and that's exactly why ANYONE (except your current physician) would say you need to visit more than one doctor when trying to get diagnosed or treated. you would be dumbfounded by the variability in answers you might get from varying doctors. one thing i've learned in college is doctors are NOT gods, they really don't know as much as we all think they do, and they make more mistakes than people are willing to admit, especially in the field of psychiatry.
So interesting x
love -austin (my 5 year old daughter Austin wanted to tell you that she loves you)
Aw love ya Austin!! x
Very cool
That's so interesting
Hope it helps to give u the balance u need :-)
(hope all is going well with u and hubby btw)
Also, random, there's a show on Netflix called Orphan Black and it's amazing
Hope u get a chance to watch it and enjoy :-)
Have a good day from Australia
“So I have two copies of shit genes...” - this explains my whole life!
dsm 5 is bogus