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Ethnic Differences in Antipsychotic Response: What Genetic Variation Does and Does Not Tell Us

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review will discuss the current state of the pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics of antipsychotic response in order to relate these findings to potential racial and ethnic differences that have been demonstrated in the literature.

Recent Findings

Antipsychotic pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics remain a poorly understood topic. No single polymorphism has been demonstrated to have a large effect size. There is likely a complex interaction of polygenic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that influence antipsychotic response. No significant racial or ethnic differences have been elucidated.

Summary

Despite extensive research since the 1990s, there is still no clinically meaningful information. As the biological basis of race and ethnicity has been called into question, it is not surprising that pharmacogenetic differences have not been identified. Furthermore, it is important to consider whether this type of inquiry will further medical treatment or cause harm.

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  1. Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital – Westchester Behavioral Health Center, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA

    Rachel L. Moster

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Moster, R.L. Ethnic Differences in Antipsychotic Response: What Genetic Variation Does and Does Not Tell Us. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 10, 21–29 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40473-023-00257-4

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