Genetic counselling to prevent mental health issues from cannabis use
Interdisciplinary Approach to Maximize Adolescent Potential: Genetic Counselling Interventions to Reduce Negative Environmental Effects
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT03601026 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 12 to 21 enrolled in the FORBOW study who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with a pre-existing diagnosis of severe mental illness or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.