Genetic testing helps doctors find out how your body might react to different mental health medications. Here’s how it works, step by step:

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1. Simple DNA Collection
You give a small sample, like a cheek swab or saliva, either at your doctor’s office or through a testing kit. This is quick and painless.

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2. Genetic Analysis
Your sample is sent to a lab where the DNA is copied using a process called PCR so it's easier to study.

Then, scientists scan your DNA using tools like DNA microarrays or sequencing to look for changes in key genes like:

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• CYP2C19

• CYP2D6

• SLC6A4

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These genes affect how your body processes medications - whether you break them down too quickly, too slowly, or just right.

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3. Understanding Your Medication Response
The test results help predict:

• If you're more likely to have side effects

• If a medication might not work well

• Or if you’re more likely to respond positively

This can help skip the frustrating trial-and-error process and get to the right medication faster.

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4. Personalized Treatment Planning
Your doctor combines your genetic results with other factors, like sleep, lifestyle, and stress, to build a treatment plan that fits you. It’s care designed for your unique biology.

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⚠️ Note: This testing doesn’t look at your whole DNA — just the parts that affect mental health medications.