Genetic counselling to prevent mental health issues from cannabis use
Official title: Interdisciplinary Approach to Maximize Adolescent Potential: Genetic Counselling Interventions to Reduce Negative Environmental Effects
Run by Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT03601026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see if genetic counselling can help young people aged 12 to 21 understand their risk of mental health issues from cannabis use and make better choices about using it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2019 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 14, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03601026 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 12 to 21 enrolled in the FORBOW study who can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a pre-existing diagnosis of severe mental illness or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to provide genetic counselling to young individuals aged 12 to 21 who are at risk of developing severe mental illnesses due to cannabis use. By identifying genetic factors that increase vulnerability to mental health issues, the study seeks to educate participants on their genetic predispositions and the associated risks of cannabis use. Participants will receive counselling from a board-certified genetic counsellor and may learn about their genotype, which could inform their decisions regarding cannabis consumption. The goal is to prevent the onset of severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of severe mental illnesses among at-risk youth.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using genetic counselling for mental health prevention is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in identifying at-risk populations through genetic factors.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Enrolment in the Families Overcoming Risks and Building Opportunities for Well-being (FORBOW) study. * Age between 12 and 21 years. * Knowledge of English sufficient to benefit from the intervention. * Capacity to provide informed consent at most recent FORBOW assessment. * Provision of consent to be contacted about future studies at most recent FORBOW assessment. Exclusion Criteria: * A diagnosis of severe mental illness (psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, severe/recurrent depression) at baseline * Autism or intellectual disability of a degree that interferes with assessment (IQ \< 70)
Where it's running
-
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rudolf Uher, MD, PhD — Nova Scotia Health Authority, Dalhousie University
- Study coordinator: Rudolf Uher, MD, PhD
- Email: uher@dal.ca
- Phone: 902-473-7209
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Examining the effects of combined therapy for schizophrenia
This study is testing whether combining two therapies, one for managing thoughts and another for improving cognitive skills, can help people with schizophrenia do better in their daily lives compared to using just one of the therapies.
-
Venous Tourniquet with Low-Dose Sugammadex vs Arterial Tourniquet for Seizure Monitoring During ECT
40 patients undergoing ECT will have a venous tourniquet on one arm and an arterial tourniquet on the other to see which method better reveals motor seizures.
-
À deux, c'est mieux — group program to improve romantic relationships for young adults with severe mental illness
This program will try a 12-week, small-group course to help single adults with severe mental illness build skills for dating, communication, and closer social relationships.
-
Precision brain stimulation to reduce cannabis craving in people with schizophrenia
This trial tests whether targeted brain stimulation can reduce cannabis craving and improve thinking in people with schizophrenia who currently use cannabis.
-
Valbenazine for adults with tardive dyskinesia who remain symptomatic on or after a VMAT2 inhibitor
This trial will test whether valbenazine reduces involuntary movements in adults with tardive dyskinesia who still have symptoms while taking or after stopping a VMAT2 inhibitor.
-
Enhancing Veteran-Clinician Collaboration in VA Care for Serious Mental Illness
This study tests a 10-session group program to help Veterans with serious mental illness collaborate better with their clinicians and care teams.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.