Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 12 to 21

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.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages12 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SponsorNova Scotia Health Authority
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 1, 2019
Main results expectedSeptember 1, 2026
Study endsSeptember 1, 2027
Registry record updatedMay 14, 2025
Trial IDNCT03601026 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.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.