IS GENE TESTING AVAILABLE YET FOR BPD TREATMENT? 
Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness 
IS GENE TESTING AVAILABLE YET FOR BPD TREATMENT? 
Question: Is gene testing available yet for BPD treatment? Dr. Heller’s Answer: No, it’s not. Amazing advances have developed in brain DNA research, but we’re not at that point yet. The “serotonin transporter gene” seems to be the one that could have some relevance with the BPD. The S (or short) allele is associated with reduced resilience to life’s stressors. The most interesting gene effect in BPD treatment has to do with those of Asian descent who need Tegretol (carbamazepine). Those individuals need to have an “HLA-B*1502 allele” checked prior to treatment as those individuals are at a 10 fold increased risk of a potentially fatal rashes such as “toxic epidermal necrolysis” and “Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.” While the absolute risk is small, there is a definitely higher risk in individuals with that gene. Even with that gene, if a borderline is out of control or suicidal, the risk of trying Tegretol (carbamazepine) may be worth the benefit. The FDA has not prohibited the use of Tegretol (carbamazepine) in these patients, but has stated that “patients testing positive (for that gene) should not be treated with carbamazepine unless benefit clearly outweighs the risk.” The BPD has a 10% completed suicide risk, so there may be situations where these risks may need to be balanced and weighed. 
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