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Hey folks, Dr. Harmon here. Bear with me… I’m either going to bore you to death, or you’re about to geek out with me over some science-y stuff.
I wanted to take a minute to explain some of the testing we offer at Providence Family Psychiatry. I get a ton of questions from patients trying to figure out which test they need and why. Some tests sound redundant, some sound too complicated, and honestly—it can be overwhelming if you’re not living in this world every day.
If you’ll give me a minute, I’ll help break it down for you. My goal here is simple: to help you understand what each test does, when it’s helpful, and how I use the results to guide your care. The science matters, but so does clarity, so let’s walk through it together.
My ADHD and cognitive evaluations use the Creyos platform (formerly Cambridge Brain Sciences). These online assessments provide objective measurements of how the brain functions in real time and are especially valuable for anyone seeking ADHD testing in Charlotte or trying to understand their cognitive strengths and challenges.
Creyos measures:
• Attention and focus
• Working memory
• Processing speed
• Executive functioning
• Problem-solving and reasoning
Unlike traditional ADHD testing that relies heavily on subjective questionnaires, Creyos provides quantifiable data that helps me distinguish ADHD from anxiety, trauma, sleep disorders, or other conditions with similar symptoms.
How I use the results:
I combine this data with our conversations, rating scales, past performance, and your medical history. This helps me confirm diagnoses more confidently and tailor medications, behavioral strategies, and school or work accommodations. Patients often appreciate being able to track their progress visually over time.
The FRAT test identifies antibodies that interfere with the body’s ability to utilize folate. Folate plays a major role in neurotransmitter production, neurodevelopment, and mood regulation. This test is especially helpful for children and adolescents, though adults may also benefit.
Folate pathway disruptions can contribute to:
• Treatment-resistant depression
• Irritability or mood swings
• Cognitive slowing
• Developmental or learning challenges
• Chronic fatigue
• Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in some cases
Some individuals on the autism spectrum have folate receptor autoantibodies, and identifying this pattern can help guide targeted treatment.
How I use the results:
When FRAT abnormalities appear, I may recommend leucovorin, targeted supplementation, or nutritional and metabolic support, depending on the overall biochemical picture. It is particularly helpful when symptoms have not responded to standard psychiatric treatments.
The NutraEval from Genova Diagnostics is one of the most comprehensive metabolic assessments available. Patients looking for nutrient deficiency or metabolic testing in Charlotte often find it extremely useful.
NutraEval evaluates:
• Vitamin and mineral status
• Oxidative stress and inflammation
• Mitochondrial function
• Neurotransmitter precursors
• Amino acids and fatty acids
• Organic acids related to gut and metabolic health
• Markers of environmental toxin exposure
These insights can be especially important because metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies can contribute to depression, anxiety, ADHD symptoms, irritability, and fatigue.
How I use the results:
I create personalized treatment plans based on the data—supplementation, dietary strategies, detoxification support, gut repair approaches, or medication adjustments. This testing is particularly useful for patients with complex or treatment-resistant symptoms.
Endo+ testing provides a detailed look at hormone patterns that affect mood, energy, sleep, and daily functioning.
Endo+ evaluates:
• Cortisol patterns
• DHEA
• Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
• Adrenal function
• Stress-response patterns
Why it matters:
Hormone imbalances can mimic or worsen psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleep disturbance. Many patients feel relieved when hormone testing finally explains symptoms they’ve struggled with for years.
How I use the results:
I integrate hormonal data with your clinical symptoms to create a holistic plan. This may include stress-management strategies, nutritional or hormonal support, supplements, or coordination with primary care or endocrinology.
The GI Effects panel evaluates digestion, microbial balance, and inflammation. Many patients are surprised at how closely gut health influences mood and cognition.
This test identifies:
• Dysbiosis (microbial imbalance)
• Inflammation
• Digestive enzyme issues
• Pathogenic bacteria or yeast
• Short-chain fatty acids
• Markers connected to mood, anxiety, and cognition
Why gut testing matters:
Since most serotonin is produced in the gut, imbalances can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, and chronic GI symptoms.
How I use the results:
I may recommend probiotics, antimicrobial protocols, dietary changes, inflammation-reducing strategies, or metabolic support.
The Cunningham Panel identifies autoimmune markers that may contribute to sudden-onset psychiatric or behavioral symptoms.
It measures:
• Anti-neuronal antibodies
• Dopamine receptor antibodies
• Lysoganglioside antibodies
• CaM kinase II activation
I recommend this when patients experience:
• Sudden-onset OCD or anxiety
• Tics
• Mood swings or irritability
• Regression
• Sleep or appetite changes
• School refusal
How I use the results:
I review immune markers alongside clinical symptoms to determine whether inflammation or autoimmune processes are contributing. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory strategies, immune support, or referrals to specialists.
GeneSight testing analyzes how your genetics influence your response to psychiatric medications.
GeneSight reveals:
• How quickly you metabolize medications
• Your likelihood of side effects
• Which medications may be a better fit
• How genetics influence treatment response
Why it helps:
It reduces the guesswork and helps personalize medication choices.
How I use the results:
I combine the GeneSight findings with your clinical history, previous medication responses, and current symptoms to choose medications that align with your biology and your day-to-day needs.
All of these tests provide powerful information, but what matters most is how the results are interpreted. My background in neuroscience, child and adolescent psychiatry, and complex case management allows me to translate data into clear, actionable, and personalized treatment plans.
My goal is to understand you thoroughly, treat you compassionately, and help you feel better in a sustainable and meaningful way.
If you’re interested in ADHD testing, cognitive evaluations, genetic testing, hormone testing, gut-brain panels, or comprehensive nutrient analysis in Charlotte, I’m here to help.
Start with a free 15-minute consultation to see how we can help.
Schedule your 15 minute no-cost consultation