Genetic Counseling for Mental Health Risks Associated with Cannabis Use
(IMAGINE Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of genetic counseling as a treatment for mental health risks associated with cannabis use?
Research suggests that genetic counseling can help people with mental health conditions by reducing fear, stigma, and misconceptions about their illness, and improving their adherence to treatment. This approach has shown benefits in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression, which may indicate its potential usefulness for mental health risks related to cannabis use.12345
Is genetic counseling safe for humans?
How is genetic counseling for mental health risks associated with cannabis use different from other treatments?
Genetic counseling for mental health risks associated with cannabis use is unique because it focuses on understanding the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to mental health issues, helping individuals explore their beliefs and fears, and providing support for decision-making, rather than prescribing medication or other traditional therapies.23456
What is the purpose of this trial?
Severe mental illness (SMI) refers to the most burdensome psychiatric conditions. The need to pre-empt the onset of SMI is pressing because once SMI develops, quality of life is poor and available treatments have limited efficacy. Most risk factors for SMI are either unchangeable (e.g., genetics) or difficult to alter (e.g., low socio-economic status). In contrast, cannabis use is one specific risk factor that could be avoided. Certain individuals are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of cannabis. Genetic factors can help us identify these high-risk individuals. One in three individuals are carriers of a higher-risk genetic variant, and cannabis users with this genotype are at up to 7-fold increased risk of developing schizophrenia. In our study, genetic counselling will be provided to participants by a board-certified genetic counsellor. During the genetic counselling session, participants will have the option to receive their genotype. Participants will be counselled regarding their individualized risk of developing and of not developing SMI based on family history, whether or not they choose to use cannabis, and genotype (if the participants accept the genetic test results). The investigators hypothesize that this intervention will reduce exposure to cannabis compared to the youth who are not offered the intervention.
Research Team
Rudolf Uher, MD
Principal Investigator
Nova Scotia Health Authority, Dalhousie University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking individuals aged 12-21 who are part of the FORBOW study, can consent to future contact, and have the capacity to give informed consent. It excludes those with severe mental illness, autism, or intellectual disability (IQ < 70).Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Genetic Counselling Intervention
Participants receive genetic counselling regarding their personalized risk of developing SMI based on genotype, family history, and cannabis use. They have the option to receive their genotype.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in cannabis use and psychopathology, with assessments conducted annually.
Post-Intervention Follow-up
Approximately 1 month after the intervention, participants receive a follow-up interview to assess cannabis use and intervention impact.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Genetic counselling
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Lead Sponsor