Investigating the genetic links between substance use and psychiatric disorders
Official title: Concurrent substance use and psychiatric disorders: a pipeline to investigate shared genomic liability and causal effects
Funded at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · NIH-10918045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tobacco addiction and mental health issues like schizophrenia might be linked through shared genetics, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatment for people dealing with both challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $144,521 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057542-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who also struggle with tobacco use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with substance use disorders who do not have any psychiatric conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between substance use disorders, such as tobacco addiction, and psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia. It aims to understand how these disorders may share genetic factors or influence each other. By analyzing large genomic datasets, the researchers will identify potential genetic markers and causal relationships that could explain the high rates of comorbidity. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better treatment strategies for both conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals suffering from both substance use and psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic links between psychiatric disorders and substance use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chenoweth, Meghan — Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Study coordinator: Chenoweth, Meghan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.