Mental Health Research Study
Researchers at the University of Calgary are conducting a study on whether pharmacogenetic testing can help doctors select mental health medication for 6 to 24-year-olds.
Fast Facts
Ages 6-24
Starting or Changing Mental Health Medication
Receive a Pharmacogenetic Report at No Cost
Conducted in Alberta, CA
Study Background
Interested in pharmacogenetic research? The University of Calgary is studying how your genetics (DNA) impact the way your body responds to certain medications.
Psychiatric medications are regularly used for children and adolescents experiencing mental health concerns. However, it is difficult to predict which medications will work well and not result in side effects. For some people, selecting a medication for mental health results in a trial-and-error process that can be lengthy and difficult for the young person and their family.
Pharmacogenetics is one factor that can contribute to medication selection, but testing is not readily available in Canada. Pharmacogenetics looks at expected metabolism rates for many different medications based on genetics. A faster metabolism rate on a particular gene may result in certain medications being less effective whereas a slower metabolism rate may result in more side effects.
Having pharmacogenetic information can decrease the trial-and-error process by helping to narrow down which medication to prescribe. The Psychiatric Pharmacogenomics Lab Trials provide pharmacogenetic testing for young people starting or changing medications for their mental health.
Join our study and receive a pharmacogenetic report at no cost!
Studies have been approved by the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board: REB20-0900, REB23-0532, REB23-0366
Study Background
Interested in pharmacogenetic research? The University of Calgary is studying how your genetics (DNA) impact the way your body responds to certain medications.
Psychiatric medications are regularly used for children and adolescents experiencing mental health concerns. However, it is difficult to predict which medications will work well and not result in side effects. For some people, selecting a medication for mental health results in a trial-and-error process that can be lengthy and difficult on the young person and their family.
Pharmacogenetics are one factor that can contribute to medication selection, but testing is not readily available in Canada. Pharmacogenetics look at expected metabolism rates for many different medications based on genetics. A faster metabolism rate on a particular gene may result in a certain medications being less effective whereas a slower metabolism rate may result in more side effects.
Having pharmacogenetic information can decrease the trial-and-error process by helping to narrow down which medication to prescribe. The Psychiatric Pharmacogenomics Lab Trials provide pharmacogenetic testing for young people starting or changing medications for their mental health.
Join our study and receive a pharmacogenetic report at no cost!
Studies have been approved by the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board: REB20-0900, REB23-0532, REB23-0366
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to determine if pharmacogenetic testing can help doctors select mental health medication for 6 to 24-year-olds.
Participants may qualify for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Youth Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 6-24
- Starting or changing mental health medication (dose change, adding an additional medication, or switching medications)
- Referred by a physician for pharmacogenetic testing (the prescribing physician must be aware of the testing and agree to receive the report)
- No unstable medical conditions
- Willing to provide saliva sample for genetic analysis
- No history of liver or bone marrow (hematopoietic cell) transplant
Parent Inclusion Criteria:
- Parent of child ages 6-24
- Parent of child starting or changing mental health medication (dose change, adding an additional medication, or switching medications)
- Child has been referred by a physician for pharmacogenetic testing (the prescribing physician must be aware of the testing and agree to receive the report)
- Child has no unstable medical conditions
- Child is willing to provide saliva sample for genetic analysis
- Child has no history of liver or bone marrow (hematopoietic cell) transplant
We have three different studies that participants may be eligible for. All have assessments completed online at multiple time points. Everyone will consent online, complete an online baseline assessment, and provide a saliva sample via pre-paid mail. Follow-up assessments range from weekly for four weeks to monthly for 6 months, depending on the study they are eligible for.
Participants will receive a pharmacogenetic report at no cost for participating in the study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
