Antipsychotic medications, commonly used to manage psychosis, often cause side effects that can range from mild to severe, and patients frequently require multiple medication trials to achieve an effective drug and dose. To address these challenges, there is growing interest in precision medicine approaches. Pharmacogenetics examines how individual genetic differences affect drug metabolism and therapeutic response. Recent clinical studies suggest that pharmacogenetic testing may help improve treatment outcomes and reduce adverse drug reactions. Understanding the perspectives of key stakeholders regarding the acceptability of this testing is therefore essential. This pilot investigation is part of the ‘GEMS’ (Genetics and Environment in Mental Health Study) project, which explores pharmacogenetic testing in psychosis. Data were collected via a participant survey, co-designed with patients, completed by 22 patient-participants, and semi-structured interviews conducted with 11 clinicians who had experience using pharmacogenetic test results in clinical care. Both patients and clinicians generally expressed positive attitudes toward pharmacogenetic testing. Clinicians emphasized, however, that such testing represents only one element within the broader, multifactorial process of individualized prescribing. Both groups suggested that pharmacogenetic reports could be made more user-friendly to improve patient comprehension. Some participants reported that the reports encouraged more collaborative decision-making, although this effect was not consistent. Clinicians noted that pharmacogenetics offers both retrospective and prospective benefits by reducing uncertainty and minimizing trial-and-error in prescribing. Nonetheless, barriers such as limited accessibility, challenges in understanding the reports, and logistical issues were identified. Among patients and clinicians familiar with pharmacogenetic testing for antipsychotic selection, overall acceptability is high. Pharmacogenetics holds promise for supporting more personalized prescribing, though practical and systemic barriers need to be addressed before widespread adoption can occur.
