Precision psychiatry – a feasible possibility?

Overview

Currently, patients are evaluated by a psychiatrist using the phenomenological classification then, first-line treatment is initiated according to the diagnosis; however, this approach is associated with a high rate of etiopathogenetic heterogeneity. The development of mental disorders is likely determined by combined effects of genetic predisposition and environmental adversity. Inter-mutual interaction is regulated by epigenetics processes which determine transcription and translation of gens to corresponding proteins. Choosing the optimal drug among available we strive for individualized approach based upon a patient's clinical characteristics. Personalized medicine including psychiatry considers measurable indicators of pathogenic processes (biomarkers) enabling identification of patients with common biological changes.

Although personalized and precision medicine are often used synonymously, they describe two different approaches. Personalized psychiatry refers to the approach to an individual patient, precision psychiatry empowers decision- making process by measurable indicators and becomes the indispensable vehicle to achieve personalized treatment. An example is schizophrenia, the most severe mental disorder and prototype of psychotic disorder. The current definition of schizophrenia lacks a biological validity, which is stimulating an effort to alternatively define the psychotic disorders on the base of biomarkers. The goal of integration knowledge from biomedical research and clinical practice is providing more accurate diagnosis and the tailored treatment for each individual patient.

Keywords:

Genetics – personalized medicine – precision psychiatry – biomarkers – Schizophrenia – epigenetics.