Grant: Project Grant

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are serious lifelong mental illnesses that affect more than 1% of Canadians. Several locations on genes have been identified in studies examining genetic factors across the human genome that increase the risk of psychiatric disorders. The information from all of these genetic sites can be combined to generate a polygenic risk score, which is an overall genetic risk score for a given individual (PRS). Furthermore, each person's liver enzymes have varying capacities for breaking down antipsychotic medications. Genetic factors have a strong influence on this breakdown. We will use a combined risk score (PRS + drug breakdown capacity) in this study to better understand the biology of SSDs and how disease severity changes over time. Our CAMH hospital has set up a program called PREDICTS for a comprehensive clinical assessment of SSD severity, disability, cognition, treatment response, and side effects. PRS will be used to separate individuals into high and low-risk groups and compare the clinical and social factors influencing treatment outcomes. Our research will result in the creation of a risk score based on genetic information that can be used for prevention strategies in youth through closer monitoring and the development of healthy behaviour habits. Furthermore, we will be able to provide more personalised therapies for each individual in the future, based on genetic knowledge.