Why is this research important to Alberta?

• Mental health disorders (MHDs) affect 1 in 5 children and youth (1.6 million Canadians).
• MHDs typically begin early in life (75% before the age of 25) and persist/worsen if not effectively treated.
• MHD diagnosis relies heavily on clinical observations rather than defined biomarkers, contributing to diagnostic and treatment variability.
• A better understanding of the genetic contributions to MHD risk would lead to earlier identification and treatment.
• This project aligns with the 2025-2026 Health Canada priority to improve mental health supports.

What is the goal of this work? How will genomics be used?

• The objective of this project is to conduct a large-scale, collaborative pan-Canadian initiative to sequence 5250 children and youth and identify risk and protective factors for mental health disorders.
• To achieve this, we have assembled a group of investigators from across Canada who have made extensive contributions to diverse fields including psychiatric genetics, pharmacogenetics, data science, and health policy.
• There are currently 14 independent mental health and developmental cohort studies that will contribute to Pan-GEM.
• Access to the database will be controlled by a data governance committee and will not include any identifiable information (e.g., participants’ names or contact information) to ensure appropriate data use and participant privacy.
• In addition, genomic data will be used to identify potential novel pharmacogenetic variants that may impact the effectiveness and potential side effects of medications used to treat mental health disorders.

What are the expected benefits, and how will the research findings be shared?

• Pan-GEM is the largest Canadian collaboration to focus on identifying genetic and environmental risk factors for children and youth with mental health disorders.
• Pan-GEM will conduct initial analyses aimed at improving understanding of the genetic, clinical, and socio-environmental factors conferring risk for mental health disorders, enabling research that will lead to earlier, more effective interventions.

Related Resources

Related information can be accessed through:

• Initiative website: Pan-GEM
• News article: Study assesses genetic testing to optimize mental health interventions in children
• Lecture series presentation: Open Minds Indigenous Youth Mental Health and Wellness Network