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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Shelley on May 18, 2015, at 7:15:25
Hi,
Have any of you had genetic testing done to check for SNPs such as COMT, MTHFR, etc?
I am considering ordering 23andme but am concerned about privacy issues. They don't send kits to P.O. boxes outside the U.S. and I prefer that they don't have my real name.
Have any of you felt similar concerns?Thanks,
Shelley.
Posted by linkadge on May 18, 2015, at 8:01:29
In reply to genetic testing, posted by Shelley on May 18, 2015, at 7:15:25
Hi Shelly,
I have not had it done, but have considered it.
The problem is that (at this stage in genetic psychiatry) the results will likely have extremely limited (if any) diagnostic ability.
As long as you are aware of this.
Linkadge
Posted by maria3667 on May 18, 2015, at 15:48:08
In reply to genetic testing, posted by Shelley on May 18, 2015, at 7:15:25
I wouldn't really be concerned with the privacy issues... Why would they scare off their source of income? For sustainability they would want to protect their customers.
I'd be more concerned with the scope of the test. Does it also reliable predict the side effects of the medication in relation to your DNA?
Maria
Posted by linkadge on May 18, 2015, at 19:24:47
In reply to Re: genetic testing » Shelley, posted by maria3667 on May 18, 2015, at 15:48:08
Because such testing is not yet widespread, I don't think there really exists a market for such data.
Linkadge
Posted by Shelley on May 19, 2015, at 13:41:02
In reply to genetic testing, posted by Shelley on May 18, 2015, at 7:15:25
Thanks, Linkadge and Maria.For now, getting info about SNPs such as MTHFR and COMT would satisfy me and I don't have additional expectations.
My concern regarding privacy is due to the possibility that hackers will get hold of the data. Testing is not yet widespread but it is only a matter of time, and one must assume that the company will retain the private genetic information throughout the years, long after privacy issues will begin to be relevant.
Posted by linkadge on May 20, 2015, at 19:10:43
In reply to Re: genetic testing, posted by Shelley on May 19, 2015, at 13:41:02
Who cares if you have a high or low activity of the COMT gene?
Linkadge
Posted by lori6 on May 21, 2015, at 14:06:24
In reply to Re: genetic testing, posted by linkadge on May 20, 2015, at 19:10:43
> Who cares if you have a high or low activity of the COMT gene?
>
> LinkadgeHi Linkadge,
The COMT gene is only one of many which are included in the 23andme test. It can be helpful to know that one cannot easily break down catecholamines. Such information can also help one avoid drugs or foods which might exacerbate the condition.
Other genes, such as MTHFR, are important since people who are homozygous for this SNP should refrain from supplementing with the regular form of folic acid and need to take methylfolate and other supplements. MTHFR affects physical and not only psychiatric conditions.
There are other SNPs which can provide info regarding the effect certain meds or foods can have.
Posted by linkadge on May 25, 2015, at 15:18:46
In reply to Re: genetic testing » linkadge, posted by lori6 on May 21, 2015, at 14:06:24
No, but what I mean is, who (besides oneself) cares if you have a lower or higher version of the gene?
The idea that such information would "get out".
Also, the low acting version of the COMT gene is linked to less depression, and higher executive function.
Linkadge
Posted by Shelley on May 27, 2015, at 11:59:09
In reply to Re: genetic testing » lori6, posted by linkadge on May 25, 2015, at 15:18:46
> No, but what I mean is, who (besides oneself) cares if you have a lower or higher version of the gene?
>
> The idea that such information would "get out".
>
> Also, the low acting version of the COMT gene is linked to less depression, and higher executive function.As Lori stated, COMT is only one of the genes included in the test. In the near future everyone will probably have his genome sequenced and an inevitable consequence will be discrimination based on results, if they get out. If a private company owns your genetic material, they can eventually gain information about risk factors for all illnesses (physical and psychiatric),personality traits and more. Hackers can blackmail people. A person's genetic information can determine whether or not he gets a job, insurance coverage and much more. This might be illegal, but when has that stopped anyone? You simply won't be told the reason you weren't accepted to whatever it is you applied for.
This might all sound paranoid, but that's only because "the party" has not yet begun....
Posted by tiopenster on June 12, 2015, at 22:00:20
In reply to Re: genetic testing » linkadge, posted by Shelley on May 27, 2015, at 11:59:09
I personally think everyone on this board should have their genetic test done. I will admit that we are on the absolute forefront of this new science as far as the masses are concerned. My major complaint is anxiety, but when I was withdrawing from 5 different medications I went into a deep depression. A doctor told me about the genetic testing. I found out I have the MTHFR gene among other ones like COMT and MAO A. The right dose of methylfolate and methylcobalamin (methyl B12) cured my depression in 2 days! I know what kind of problems COMT and MAO cause, but I haven't learned how to treat them in the same manner as MTHFR.
It was $99 well spent, and you get your geneology as part of it as well which is great. My life is totally different because of it.
There's other genetic markers on their that will tell you if you have a hard time retaining vitamin D, storing vitamin B12, and lots of other goofy ones like whether you are disposed to think that cilantro tastes like soap :)
I'm not depressed now because of it and my anxiety is decreased.
As far as privacy, yes you could have some kind of Gattaca scenario, but I doubt that will happen. They do make meta data available available to drug companies so they can target their research to possible solutions. You answer all sorts of questions (all voluntary) that will help research toward curing certain diseases.
This is the end of the thread.
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