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Pharmacogenetic-Supported Prescribing in Kids (PGx-SParK)

Anxiety | Depression | Mental Health | Children

Many children and teens with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or OCD are given medications, either on their own or along with therapy. But up to half of these young people do not get better from the medication or may have unwanted side effects. Today, treatment for children often works through trial and error, which can be stressful for both youth and their families. Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing could help avoid this. PGx testing is a type of genetic test that looks at a person’s genes to see how quickly their body breaks down certain medications. This information can help doctors choose medication and dosage for each child.

Our goal is to create and test a strategy for adding PGx testing into youth mental health care in Alberta.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    Male, Female, Intersex

  • Eligible Ages:

    6 to 24

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
1. Aged 6 – 24 years
2. Has an Alberta Health Number
3. Testing requested by the treating physician licensed in Alberta
4. Will be starting or changing a psychiatric medication(s) that has a pharmacogenetic (PGx) recommendation to report.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Unwillingness to provide saliva sample for genetic analysis
2. History of liver or bone marrow (hematopoietic cell) transplant

Study Location

University of Calgary
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Study Sponsored By
University of Calgary
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: REB25-1367