Using genetic information to guide antidepressant prescribing for teens with anxiety and depression
Official title: Pharmacogenetic-Guided Antidepressant Prescribing in Adolescents With Anxiety and Depression
Run by University of Calgary · NCT06853587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using genetic information to choose antidepressants helps teens aged 12-17 with anxiety and depression feel better compared to regular prescribing methods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 228 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06853587 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-17 who are beginning or changing their SSRI medication for anxiety and/or depression.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with co-occurring severe mental health disorders or those who have previously not responded to multiple SSRIs 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 clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacogenetic-guided antidepressant prescribing in adolescents aged 12-17 who are starting or changing a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for anxiety and depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either pharmacogenetic-guided therapy or standard prescribing guidelines for a duration of 12 weeks. The study seeks to determine if tailoring antidepressant prescriptions based on genetic metabolism phenotypes leads to better outcomes compared to conventional methods. The trial will involve 452 adolescents and will assess their experiences, health care utilization, and overall efficacy of the treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and personalized treatment for adolescents suffering from anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in pharmacogenetic-guided approaches for antidepressant prescribing, indicating potential for success in this trial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 12-17 * Depression and/or anxiety as the primary concern, confirmed by the treating physician * Intention to start a new SSRI * English fluency Exclusion Criteria: * Co-occurring obsessive compulsive disorder, psychosis, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or intellectual disability * History of non-response to 3 or more SSRI medications as confirmed by the treating physician * Brain stimulation-based therapy initiated within 8 weeks of referral, or plans to initiate/change brain stimulation during study participation * History of liver or hematopoietic cell transplant * History of CYP2B6, CYP2C19, or CYP2D6 testing
Where it's running
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University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chad Bousman, PhD — University of Calgary
- Study coordinator: Madison Heintz, MSW
- Email: gap@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 587-223-3154
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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.