Case Study: Rafaz Mohamed July – October 2020 Author: Sandra Hanna BSc. Pharm. Personalized Prescribing Inc. Means of Referral: Organizational Solutions Inc. (OSI) Disability status: Short term disability, was transferring to long term disability, which was approved by Sunlife Insurance Condition(s): Major depressive disorder and Anxiety Medications at point of contact: Escitalopram (Cipralex) 10 mg once daily, … Read more
Pharmacogenomics was formally introduced in Canada in 2014, when CAMH secured a large grant to study its utility for mental illness. The CAMH study, which used the Assurex test in the US (now Myriad Genetics) generated much hype. CAMH tested over 10,000 patients referred by 3,000 doctors. A few insurance companies and large employers participated … Read more
We are born with genes that are either delicate or resilient. People with delicate genes, who are exposed to certain stressors in life that happen either gradually, or suddenly will undergo changes in gene expression called epigenetics. These changes may result in destabilization of brain chemicals, which may then lead to mood changes and then … Read more
While having less resilient genes, may make mental illness more likely, people who do experience mental illness experience it to varying degrees. Some people only experience a ‘situational depression’ which is also sometimes referred to as an adjustment disorder. This can happen after traumatic events such as interpersonal conflict or the death of a loved … Read more
Jenny is a 43 year old woman who has two children and a husband. She was recently diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and was determined to beat it. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour and was given a treatment of chemotherapy and radiation, plus tamoxifen as hormone therapy. After completing all her chemo … Read more
Scott R. is a 40 year old male who recently experienced a workplace accident that resulted in chronic back pain. Scott had tried using Tylenol#1 (i.e. codeine) and oxycodone for his pain but had not received significant relief despite the use of high doses. His physician began to suspect that he was abusing these medications, … Read more
Kim has had many issues with her depression and medications for a long time. After years of trial and error with various medications and therapies, she decided to invest in a pharmacogenomic test. Kim wanted to understand why her medications were not working for her. Via a simple and user-friendly process, she purchased the Rx … Read more
Jordan is a 50 year old man who suffered from high cholesterol. His family physician had prescribed Simvastatin. Three months later, the physician increased the dose of Simvastatin, as Jordan’s cholesterol levels were still high. One and a half weeks later, Jordan started experiencing muscle pains in his feet and legs, which became unbearable. He … Read more
Susy is a 13 year old girl who is an avid soccer player, an excellent student, and a fun,loving friend and daughter. Recently, her mood started to deteriorate, and she was diagnosed with clinical depression. As a result, her doctor prescribed her escitalopram. Unfortunately, the medication was not working for her and her depression became … Read more
Mark Rabkin is a 14 year old boy who had recently been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. Mark had previously tried multiple ADHD medications, including Adderall and Concerta. Though he had experienced slight improvements in impulsivity, he also had major side effects (i.e., irritability, emotional inhibition, appetite loss, and insomnia). Mark remained on the Concerta, … Read more
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