Genetic Test Helps Pageant Winner Find Right Mental Health Rx

Madeline Bohlman won two pageant titles while struggling with a secret that made everyday moments feel overwhelming.

Since childhood, Bohlman lived with ADHD and anxiety that fed into each other in ways she couldn't untangle. What looked like simple distraction was often tied to deeper worry, making routine tasks feel impossible.

"Being a child with anxiety felt isolating," Bohlman says. "I remember my parents trying to help. It was frustrating for all of us."

She started medication that helped for years, even as she competed in pageants and won a teen title in 2021. But by college, something shifted.

"It got to a point where I wasn't getting out of bed, I was not going to classes, and I didn't want to do things with my friends," she says. "I felt trapped in my own mind."

Her clinician suggested the GeneSight test, a simple cheek swab that analyzes how a person's genes affect their response to mental health medications. After nearly a decade on the same prescription, Bohlman had no idea genetics could impact how medications work.

The test examines genetic variations that influence how someone metabolizes medications for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other conditions. Results come back within days, helping clinicians make more informed treatment decisions instead of relying on trial and error.

"Taking that test was a pivotal moment in my life," Bohlman says. "I always thought medications worked the same for everyone, but learning about how genetics affects our response to medications was a revelation."

The GeneSight test must be ordered by a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology showed patient outcomes for depression improved when clinicians used the test to inform treatment decisions.

Why This Inspires

Switching medications based on her genetic profile opened a new chapter for Bohlman. She started reconnecting with friends and handling daily tasks that once felt impossible.

"It felt like I was shedding layers of pressure," she says.

The transformation fueled her work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness about mental health care. The tragic loss of Cheslie Kryst, a fellow pageant winner, to suicide made this mission even more urgent.

"I realized that sharing my story could help others who feel alone," Bohlman says. "It's important to show that there is hope and help available."

For anyone struggling to find the right medication, Bohlman offers clear advice: talk to your doctor about genetic testing options. Most patients pay $330 or less out of pocket, depending on insurance coverage.

The woman who once commanded the pageant stage now uses that platform to advocate for personalized mental health care, proving that finding what truly works for you can change everything.