Overcoming barriers of integrating genomics research into mental health care
In Canada, 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Mental Health Awareness Month takes place every year in May, helping Canadians find greater opportunities to learn and talk openly about mental illnesses without stigma. Improving health outcomes for all Albertans is key area of focus for Genome Alberta, which includes investing in research and education for mental health.
Despite having such a profound and wide-reaching impact on society, mental illnesses remain difficult to diagnose and treat. This is because a large proportion of people living with mental illness do not respond well to standard medications or treatments. Finding prescriptions that work can take months of frustrating trial and error. This places considerable strain on these individuals, their families, their communities, and the healthcare systems that support them.
Thankfully, knowledge around the biology of mental health is improving
An individual’s genetics can influence whether they are more likely to have or develop certain mental illnesses. Since many mental illnesses are currently diagnosed on symptoms alone, this link to genetics could help transform diagnostic and treatment approaches. Genetics can also influence how people metabolize medication, which contributes to why medications can work well for some patients but not for others. Genomics data could be used to help identify risks early, pursue prevention strategies, and personalize treatments. Despite these discoveries, it is important to remember genetics is just one of many factors influencing mental illnesses. Advancing mental health care will require integrating genetic susceptibility alongside other factors like an individual’s environment and experiences.
Genomics research needs to be translated into routine care
Discussions from Genome Alberta’s recent mental health stakeholder engagement sessions point to a consistent challenge in bridging the gap between research and routine care. Research is only the first step. However, even when strong research evidence exists, the process of getting it into the hands of those that need it can be slow and fragmented. A consistent priority across these discussions was the need for improved education and literacy.
Education needs to target both patients and clinicians:
- Stigma is a foundational barrier that prevents many people from seeking help. It is important for patients to understand that genetic risk is probabilistic, not deterministic. Mental health conditions arise from the interaction of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors, not genetics alone. Informed engagement will be vital to navigating the many ethical considerations and mistrust that can exist around the collection of genetic data.
- Many clinicians have not been trained in psychiatric genetics. Training is vital for providers to feel confident ordering genetic tests, interpreting results, and counseling patients. Establishing streamlined workflows, clear clinical guidance, and robust data standards will also help foster adoption of new practices.
Regardless of the audience, responsible integration of genomics into mental health care will require targeted education, clear communication, and trust-building.
Genome Alberta is working to shorten the cycle from discovery to implementation
Genome Alberta aims to help bridge the gaps between emerging scientific advances and real-world impact. Next steps include:
- Strengthening collaborations across sectors to support responsible advancement of genomics in mental health. This means involving clinicians, researchers, policymakers, health system leaders, and community partners in projects from the outset.
- Prioritizing community input. When communities are partners in research, findings are more likely to be embraced and integrated into practice. Community involvement helps ensure that research addresses real-world priorities and remains culturally sensitive (including rural, Indigenous, and other underrepresented populations). Community-driven approaches foster trust, engagement, and equity.
- Educating diverse audiences to strengthen awareness and understanding of psychiatric genetics. Education and literacy are fundamental to bridging the gaps between research and routine clinical application.
With better education and literacy, people affected by mental health can access better care, improving health outcomes and quality of life. For some patients, genetic testing could end long and frustrating diagnostic journeys and provide them with earlier access to treatments and support. Over the long term, Genome Alberta aims to help advance a more personalized, evidence-based approach to mental health, aligning psychiatry more closely with other areas of medicine.
May is mental health awareness month
Participate by learning more about initiatives to support collaborative, informed integration of genomics in patient care. These online resources were developed by Genome BC, and provide a great starting point for clinicians and patients interested in genomics education:
- Information sheets for Clinicians and patients
- An updated list of testing available to Canadians
- Conversation summary guides to support clinicians in answering patients’ questions about pharmacogenomic testing.
- Read about advancing genomics education for health professionals in B.C in their Genomics Education for Health Professionals Report.
Related information
- Read our previous story on how genomics is personalizing mental health treatment
- See our Project Portfolio to learn more about projects Genome Alberta has funded in Health and Mental Health.
