This essay examines the intersection of epigenetics and pharmacogenetics in patient treatment, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic approaches beyond traditional medication. The analysis emphasizes how environmental factors influence gene expression and health outcomes, advocating for holistic treatment methods that combine medication with patient education about environmental impacts. The discussion demonstrates the importance of considering epigenetic modifications when prescribing treatments to avoid potential harm and improve patient outcomes.
The discussion made by the classmate focusing on the impact of cannabis on the developing baby and adolescent is an excellent way of demonstrating how impactful epigenetic modification is on gene expression. Most medications target the unchanging DNA without thinking about the impact of their environment on their health. The discussion brings to the fore how most physicians find it easy to prescribe medications and educate patients to improve their mental health. However, the same emphasis is never placed on environmental changes that can assist the patient (Kular & Kular, ). We live in a world where we quickly and readily prescribe medications without thinking of an alternative method for helping the patient. This is where pharmacogenetics collides with epigenetics. The discussion has made it easy to see how impactful epigenetics is on treating patients and some medications’ impact, yet they are still being recommended for treatment.
Patient education is vital for them to understand the impact medications can have on them. When patients understand the adverse effects of certain drugs, they will most likely seek alternative methods for alleviating their pain. The focus of treatment should not be only assisting the patient get well. It should also be on preventive health and wellness. Epigenetics plays a crucial role in this because it highlights how a patient has the power to prevent and improve their mental health without using any medications. Therefore, physicians and psychiatrists should embrace holistic medicines where they prescribe medications to alleviate the pain, but they also offer education to the patient on how their environment impacts their health and wellness. Epigenetics changes can also affect the patient resulting in the medications harming them. Without considering epigenetics, we might be worsening the patients’ symptoms, thinking we are treating and assisting the patient. Therefore, we should pay close attention to epigenetics when prescribing medication to patients.
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