ADHD Research Study
Researchers at the University of Calgary are conducting a study to find any genes (DNA) that can predict ADHD medication response and side effects.

Fast Facts

Ages 6-24

Starting or Changing Medication (Methylphenidate)

Receive a Pharmacogenetic Report at No Cost

Fully Online
Study Background
Interested in pharmacogenetic research? The University of Calgary is finding any genes (DNA) that can predict ADHD medication response and side effects.
Stimulant medications (e.g. Biphentin®, Concerta®) are often the first choice for treating children and teens with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While these medications can help many youth, they don’t work the same way for everyone. Some children see little to no improvement, while others may experience intolerable side effects.
If a personalized prescribing strategy were available to improve the use of stimulants, we could prevent a lot of suffering and negative outcomes. Unlike other medications prescribed for mental health (e.g., antidepressants) that have genomic markers to guide prescribing, we have limited evidence to help similar personalized prescribing of stimulants.
This study aims to find genetic markers that can predict how well someone might respond to stimulants or what side effects they might experience. By using this information, we hope improve prescribing and shorten the path to wellness for youth with ADHD.
Join to receive a personalised 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 finding any genes (DNA) that can predict ADHD medication response and side effects.

Stimulant medications (e.g. Biphentin®, Concerta®) are often the first choice for treating children and teens with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While these medications can help many youth, they don’t work the same way for everyone. Some children see little to no improvement, while others may experience intolerable side effects.
If a personalized prescribing strategy were available to improve the use of stimulants, we could prevent a lot of suffering and negative outcomes. Unlike other medications prescribed for mental health (e.g., antidepressants) that have genomic markers to guide prescribing, we have limited evidence to help similar personalized prescribing of stimulants.
This study aims to find genetic markers that can predict how well someone might respond to stimulants or what side effects they might experience. By using this information, we hope improve prescribing and shorten the path to wellness for youth with ADHD.
Join to receive a personalised pharmacogenetic report at no cost!
Studies have been approved by the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board: REB20-0900, REB23-0532, REB23-0366

Additional Information
Youth with ADHD don’t all respond the same way to stimulant medication: some experience little benefit, while others might have significant side effects. Currently, physicians don’t have a way to predict who will react well because we don’t know which genetic factors are involved. The purpose of this study is to identify genetic factors associated with stimulant responses to improve prescribing guidelines for children with ADHD.
Please note: The testing would not be helpful to guide any prescribing of stimulants at this time. In short, we are hoping this research helps identify personalized prescribing for this class of medications.
Participants may qualify for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 6–24 with an ADHD diagnosis.
- Starting or switching to Methylphenidate treatment.
- Residing in Western Canada (AB, BC, SK, MB).
Exclusion Criteria:
- Co-occurring psychotic, bipolar, autism spectrum, tic, eating disorders, or significant suicide risk.
- Intellectual disability or high-risk substance use (monthly or more in the past year).
- Recent or planned psychotherapy or brain stimulation therapy within 8 weeks of referral.
- Medically unable to provide informed consent, or unwilling to give saliva/blood for genetic testing.
- History of liver or bone marrow transplant.
This study is fully online/ remote for 4 weeks.
- At the beginning: Once eligibility has been confirmed, you and your child will have to complete the consent forms, surveys (i.e., demographics, medical history, current functioning) and cognitive tasks online. A saliva collection kit is then mailed to you, with return postage.
- During study: After your child begins their prescribed Methylphenidate, we send one follow-up survey per week for 4 weeks to assess for changes to your child’s Methylphenidate use, symptoms, and side effects.
- At the end of the study: You and your child will repeat some surveys and cognitive tasks online. There is an optional blood collection, which is needleless and can be done at home. For joining the study, your child can receive up to $60!
Participants will receive a personalized pharmacogenetic report at no cost and up to $60 gift-card upon completion.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
Participating in this research project will help us find genes that could be used to improve how methylphenidate is prescribed in the future. Though it might not change your child’s treatment right away, your participation is a step forward in helping scientists and doctors understand how to improve medication for all children with ADHD. It’s about being part of something bigger that could help countless families down the line.