University of Manitoba Launches Genetic Testing Study for Mental Health

A team of researchers at the University of Manitoba is embarking on a pivotal study aimed at enhancing mental health treatment through genetic testing. This initiative seeks to eliminate the uncertainty often associated with prescribing medications by offering pharmacogenomic testing to individuals seeking mental health support.

The study is set to recruit 200 adults who are either starting a new medication or switching their current treatment for mental health issues. Participants will receive pharmacogenomic testing at no cost, which assesses how their genetic makeup may influence their response to various medications. According to Dr. Abdullah Maruf, the lead investigator and an assistant professor in the university’s College of Pharmacy, this testing could significantly improve treatment outcomes.

“Individuals with mental health conditions often try multiple medications, which can take months or even years before finding an effective solution with manageable side effects,” Dr. Maruf explained. “Pharmacogenomic testing can help determine how our bodies will respond to these medications.”

Currently, pharmacogenomic testing is available privately in Manitoba, with costs averaging around $500. While some private insurance plans may cover certain tests, there is no provision for accessing this testing through the public health system in Canada. The research team aims to change that by demonstrating the potential benefits of integrating genetic testing into standard mental health care.

Dr. Jitender Sareen, head of psychiatry at the university’s Max Rady College of Medicine, highlighted findings from a 2023 study conducted in British Columbia. The study suggested that if all patients with depression in the province received genetic testing, it could potentially save the health care system $1 billion over two decades. By narrowing down medication options from over 40 to as few as five or ten, testing could streamline treatment pathways significantly.

“Our goal is to influence health policy by showcasing this as a cost-effective intervention,” Dr. Sareen said. “The small cost of the test could lead to quicker, more effective treatment plans, reducing the likelihood of patients becoming frustrated or requiring hospitalization due to ineffective therapies.”

The initiative has garnered support from various sources, including $70,000 from the Health Sciences Centre Foundation and $50,000 from the University of Manitoba’s psychiatry department. The funding will support the study until 2027, but the research team hopes to secure additional financing to expand the patient pool and further assess the impact of genetic testing on hospital stays in Manitoba.

Potential participants must be referred by a physician to join the study. They will complete a survey and provide a saliva sample for analysis. Mental health issues are prevalent, with more than one in four adults in Manitoba experiencing some form of mental illness.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara acknowledged the importance of this research, stating that any new additions to the public health system would require thorough evaluation. “We appreciate the efforts of Manitoba researchers and look forward to reviewing the study results once they are available,” Asagwara commented.

As this study unfolds, it represents a significant step towards integrating genetic insights into mental health treatment, potentially reshaping how care is delivered in Manitoba and beyond.