University of Manitoba Launches Study on Genetic Testing for Mental Health

A team of researchers at the University of Manitoba is initiating a groundbreaking study to explore whether genetic testing can enhance the effectiveness of medications for mental health treatment. The research aims to eliminate the uncertainty often associated with prescribing psychiatric medications by leveraging pharmacogenomic testing, which evaluates how a person’s genetic makeup influences their response to various drugs.

The study seeks to enroll 200 adults who are either starting a new medication or changing their existing treatment for mental health conditions. Participants will receive free pharmacogenomic testing, valued at approximately $500 if obtained privately. Currently, such tests are not available through Canada’s public health system, making this study a significant step towards potentially improving access to this technology.

Dr. Abdullah Maruf, the study’s lead investigator and an assistant professor at the College of Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues. “Patients often try multiple medications, and it can take months or even years to find a treatment that works effectively for them or minimizes side effects,” he stated. “Pharmacogenomic testing can provide insights into how our bodies will respond to these medications.”

Potential Impact and Funding

Recent studies indicate that implementing genetic testing for patients with mental health conditions could lead to substantial savings in healthcare costs. Dr. Jitender Sareen, head of psychiatry at the Max Rady College of Medicine, referenced a 2023 analysis suggesting that if every patient with depression in British Columbia received genetic testing, it could save the province an estimated $1 billion over the next two decades. This testing could streamline medication options from as many as 40 to just five or ten, significantly improving the efficiency of treatment.

Dr. Sareen emphasized the goal of influencing health policy, stating, “We are advocating for the recognition of this intervention as cost-effective. It represents a small investment for the healthcare system that could lead to better outcomes for patients.”

This initiative could also mitigate delays in recovery, allowing patients to find suitable treatments sooner and reducing the risk of frustration or hospitalization due to ineffective medication plans. Dr. Sareen noted that physicians currently have limited guidance in determining the most effective treatments for their patients.

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

The research team has secured funding of $70,000 from the Health Sciences Centre Foundation and $50,000 from the University of Manitoba’s psychiatry department. This financial support is designated for the initial group of patients through to 2027, with aspirations to extend funding to accommodate more participants and investigate whether genetic testing can reduce hospital stays across Manitoba.

To participate in the study, potential candidates must be referred by a physician. Eligible patients will need to complete a survey and provide a saliva sample for testing. Given that over one in four adults in Manitoba experience mental illness, this research could have far-reaching implications for improved treatment and healthcare delivery in the province.