Grant: Emerging Team Grant: Co-morbidity of brain disorders & other health problems-LOI

MAAPP is a new team whose goal is to undertake research focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of side-effects related to the use of medications called atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) in children and youth with mental health conditions. In adults, AAPs can cause rapid weight gain and changes to cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels, putting these adults at risk for heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions. The impact of these medications on children and youth with mental health conditions is not yet known. Our Team will establish a collaboration of clinicians, scientists and community stakeholders; develop a productive research and training program; and build capacity for child and youth mental health research. Our objectives are to (1) understand which youth in British Columbia with mental health conditions are being treated with AAPs; (2) study the reasons for co-occurring side-effects caused by different AAPs; and (3) develop strategies and guidelines to reduce the burden of side-effects and optimize health outcomes in youth. Our vision is to develop effective strategies that optimize mental health outcomes and minimize AAP-associated adverse effects in these children and youth.