Seeking Young Heroes for Groundbreaking Study!

Are you ready to make a difference? The University of Manitoba is urgently seeking children and youth aged 6 to 24 who have taken SSRI antidepressants for depression, anxiety, or OCD. Your participation can help tailor treatment solutions not just for Manitoba but for kids everywhere!

The Mental Health Crisis: A Silent Epidemic Among Youth!

Did you know that 1.2 million children and teens in Canada are grappling with mental illness? Depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are on the rise, noted as some of the most common disorders affecting youth today.

The Numbers Don't Lie!

A shocking report from the Toronto Star unveiled a 240% surge in antidepressant prescriptions among those under 18 across Canada between 2009 and 2019. This drastic increase is partly due to longer wait times for therapy, with 14% of Manitoba's youth (ages 6-19) diagnosed with mental disorders between 2010 and 2013.

SSRIs: Effective, Yet Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution!

While SSRIs are typically the go-to medication for treating mental health issues, they don't work for every child and can sometimes lead to distressing side effects. As Dr. Abdullah Maruf, lead researcher, points out, the journey to find the right antidepressant can take years and result in harmful consequences for youth and their families.

Introducing PGx-SImBA: A Pathway to Personalized Treatment!

In pursuit of answers, Dr. Maruf and his dedicated team at the Pharmacogenomics Knowledge to Action Lab are spearheading PGx-SImBA—a pioneering research initiative aiming to analyze genetic differences in how children tolerate SSRIs. This research, conducted alongside child psychiatrist Dr. Laurence Katz, will focus on adverse behavioral effects like hyperactivity and insomnia.

"This study has the potential to revolutionize how antidepressants are prescribed to youth," Dr. Maruf expresses. By leveraging genetic testing, the team hopes to offer parents and healthcare providers tailored strategies to preemptively assess the risks of side effects.

What’s in Store for Participants!

Individuals eager to contribute to this transformative study will:

• Complete a brief online survey (with parental help, if needed)!

• Provide a saliva sample for genetic analysis.

Participants will receive everything they need via mail to ensure privacy and confidentiality. Plus, your engagement is entirely voluntary!

Be Part of Something Bigger!

This groundbreaking research is funded by the Health Sciences Centre Foundation and the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, linking to Canada’s larger Pan-Canadian Genomic, Environmental and Mental Health Data (Pan-GEM) study. Don't miss your chance to join this vital cause and help reshape the future of mental health care for children and youth.

Act Now!

If you or someone you know fits the criteria, join us in creating a brighter, healthier tomorrow. Together, we can transform lives!