A Novel Blood Test as a Biomarker in Mental Health

Launched by STEVE REYNOLDS · Feb 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new blood test that could help doctors better understand mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Researchers at the Royal Columbian Hospital want to see if certain markers in the blood can indicate how well someone is responding to treatment for depression or if a person experiencing a single episode of psychosis is at risk of developing schizophrenia over time. To do this, they will collect blood samples and have participants fill out mental health questionnaires during three visits.

To participate, individuals need to be at least 19 years old and able to give informed consent. They should have either suspected or established depression or be experiencing their first episode of psychosis or suspected schizophrenia. The study is not yet recruiting participants, but once it starts, up to 500 people will be involved. Participants will help researchers by sharing their experiences and undergoing tests that could lead to better treatments for mental health conditions in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • I. Age 19+. II. Informed consent by participant
• III. Any of the following situations:
• • 1. Suspected, new onset or established depression.
• • 2. First episode of psychosis or suspected/established schizophrenia. IV. In the opinion of the Investigator, the participant will likely be able to complete the standardized mental health questionnaires administered in each study visit.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • I. Inability to provide informed consent. II. Currently enrolled in any other research study involving drugs or devices that may confound mental health treatment outcomes.
• • III. Currently declared on extended leave Under British Columbia's Mental Health Act.