Description

This research study follows the mental health journeys of youth/young adults over 4 years to examine the environmental and genetic factors that impact mental health. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires once a year for up to 4 years and provide a one-time optional saliva sample. Both parent and youth participants will receive up to $50 in gift cards each year they participate. 

Eligibility

• Age 11-18

• Looking for or are currently receiving care for mental health concerns

• Parents/caregivers are also encouraged to participate

Contact: mhresearch4kids@ucalgary.ca

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Description: The goal is to better understand and improve clinical care for youth with multiple mental health conditions. Participants will be involved in the study for 3.5 years from the date they are enrolled. Depending on what participants are comfortable with, participation could include questionnaires, blood and saliva samples, brain imaging (MRI), diagnostic interview (DASH), physical measures, and cognitive assessments.

Eligibility:

• Age 11-24

• Currently seeking or accessing mental health services

• Able to speak/read in English

Contact: calmstudy@ucalgary.ca

Description: The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the development of pain problems in youth who have experienced stressful life events. Participants will take part in this study once a year for 4 years. This study includes answering 1-minute pain surveys once a week for 12-weeks, and making an annual 2-hour lab visit at the Children's Hospital for a brain scan, questionnaires, and sensory testing to examine response to light touch, temperature, and pressure. Participants will receive a $100 gift card each year, as well as pictures of their brain.

Eligibility:

• Age 12-18

• Healthy and fluent in English

• Do not have braces at the start of the study or will be braces free in the next year

Contact: info@painlabs.ca

Description

The aim of this project is to implement and evaluate an evidence-based pharmacogenetic testing service to improve drug treatment outcomes in children receiving mental health care. The test uses a genetic sample (usually a saliva sample) to look at specific genes which help predict if a medication is likely to work well and safely in a patient.

Eligibility

• Age 6 - 18

• Will be starting or changing a psychiatric medication(s)

Description

The aim of this project is to implement and evaluate an evidence-based pharmacogenetic testing service to improve drug treatment outcomes in children receiving mental health care. The test uses a genetic sample (usually a saliva sample) to look at specific genes which help predict if a medication is likely to work well and safely in a patient.This study aims to identify genomic profiles associated with psychostimulant treatment response and tolerability in children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participating in this study can help researchers identify genes that can predict ADHD medication response and side effects. Participation occurs over 1 month, and a personalized pharmacogenetic test report will be provided.

Eligibility

• Age 6 - 24

• Have been diagnosed with ADHD

• Are planning to start methylphenidate (e.g., Biphentin / Concerta / Ritalin / Foquest)

Description

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol (PAE), and affects 4% of individuals in Canada. Key features of FASD are learning, growth and behaviour problems, and most people with FASD (>90%) also have mental health problems. Depression and anxiety are among the most common. However, treatments for depression and anxiety are much less likely to be effective in individuals with PAE. This is, in part, because we do not understand the brain differences in youth PAE, and how these underlie mental health difficulties. Our research aims to better understand brain development in children and youth with PAE, and how brain features are related to mental health symptoms. This will enable us to target treatments to the right time, place, and individual. Participants will be compensated for their time with gift cards.

Eligibility

• Age 7+ 

• Participants must be residing in Canada 

• Looking for participants with prenatal alcohol exposure

Contact: brainmri@ucalgary.ca

Description

This randomized controlled trial is to determine the efficacy of sertraline in treating anxiety in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as Autism (ASD), ADHD, Tic Disorders, as well as genetic conditions like Fragile X and 22q11 deletion syndromes, and Tuberous Sclerosis. Sertraline has been previously found effective in treating OCD and depression in children and teens, but more research is needed to see whether sertraline can help improve anxiety in children and adolescents with NDDs.

Eligibility

• Ages 8–17.

• Diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, Tic or Tourette’s Disorder, Fragile X, 22q11 Deletion Syndrome, or Tuberous Sclerosis.

• Diagnosed or suspected anxiety disorder.

• If receiving medication, must be on a stable dose.

Contact: calmdrugtrial@ucalgary.ca