Prediction of qt prolongation based on snp genotype

A method of predicting an individual's QT prolongation following administration of a compound capable of prolonging the individual's QT interval, the method comprising:

• determining the individual's genotype at least one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus selected from a group consisting of:
• rs993648, rs3924426, rs4799915, rs4933824, rs714881, and rs17054392;
• and
• in the case that the individual's genotype at the at least one SNP locus is associated with decreased QT prolongation, predicting that the individual will experience below-average QT prolongation.

A method of treating a patient for one or more symptoms of a psychotic disorder, the method comprising:

• determining the patient's genotype in both copies of at least one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus selected from a group consisting of:
• rs993648, rs3924426, rs4799915, rs4933824, rs714881, and rs17054392;
• and
• treating the patient based upon whether the patient's genotype at the at least one SNP locus is associated with increased QT prolongation.

A method of administering to an individual a compound capable of prolonging the individual's QT interval, the method comprising:

• determining at least a portion of an individual's ceramide kinase-like (CERKL) gene sequence;
• and
• in the case that a portion of the individual's CERKL gene sequence is associated with an increased risk of QT prolongation, performing at least one of the following:
• administering to the individual a quantity of the compound less than would be administered to an individual having a CERKL gene sequence not associated with an increased risk of QT prolongation,
• administering to the individual a quantity of the compound equal to that which would be administered to an individual having a CERKL gene sequence not associated with an increased risk of QT prolongation;
• or
• monitoring the patient for QT prolongation;
• or
• electing instead to treat the individual with a different compound not known to be associated with QT prolongation.

A kit for use in determining treatment strategy for a patient with a psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder comprising:

• at least one polynucleotide able to recognize and bind to a portion of DNA containing a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selected from a group consisting of:
• rs993648, rs3924426, rs4799915, rs4933824, rs714881, and rs17054392;
• a container suitable for containing the at least one polynucleotide and a sample of chromosomal DNA from the said individual wherein the at least one polynucleotide can contact the chromosomal DNA;
• and
• means to detect the combination of the at least one polynucleotide with the chromosomal DNA and thereby to ascertain what the genotype of the individual is at the SNP.