How reliable are pharmacogenomic panels in ADHD?

PostedOctober 8, 2025

UpdatedOctober 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

With the rise of personalised medicine, ADHD pharmacogenomic panels have become more widely available, often marketed as tools to guide medication choices through genetic screening. Their reliability is nuanced; these tests show promise, but their clinical utility in ADHD is still limited and continues to evolve.

What these panels typically include

Pharmacogenomic panels used in ADHD often test for variants in genes like:

CYP2D6 affects the metabolism of atomoxetine and some stimulants

CES1 impacts breakdown of methylphenidate

COMT, DAT1, DRD4 involved in dopamine regulation and drug response

Some panels may also include genes linked to side effect risks (e.g., cardiovascular sensitivity) or mental health comorbidities. The idea is to match medications to your genetic makeup to improve response and reduce adverse effects.

How valid and useful are they?

Test validity

Many of the tested variants are scientifically valid meaning they have known roles in drug metabolism. For instance, CYP2D6 testing has clear pharmacokinetic relevance for atomoxetine. These markers are backed by data and included in FDA drug labelling.

Clinical utility

Despite their biological plausibility, most panels do not yet have strong enough evidence to predict which ADHD drug will work best for you. Most current studies show small effect sizes, and results can be inconsistent across populations.

Interpretation complexity

A genetic result is just one piece of the puzzle. Factors like age, environment, coexisting conditions, and lifestyle also play major roles in treatment success. So even a “high-risk” gene marker may not translate into clinical symptoms.

Should you use one?

Pharmacogenomic panels may be most helpful for individuals who have poor responses or side effects with multiple medications. While not a silver bullet, they can provide useful context, especially when interpreted by a qualified clinician.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations that include expert interpretation of pharmacogenomic data.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Genetic studies and biomarkers.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.