Major depression is common and can impact all aspects of a person’s life. Medication (taking antidepressants) is effective and frequently used to treat major depression. However, it can be a lengthy process of trial-and-error to find a medication that works well and also does not cause intolerable side effects. An individual’s genetic makeup can affect whether particular drugs work for them and whether they cause side effects. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing aims to use genetic information to guide medication selection and dosing.
Improving mental health care, while also relieving some of the human resource challenges for healthcare professionals, are key priorities for the BC health system. One approach being considered is using PGx testing to guide antidepressant selection and dosing decisions. PGx testing can help people find a helpful medication faster and avoid side effects, but there are ethical issues that require consideration.
Share your views!
This project will examine British Columbians’ views on how best to offer PGx testing to adults with major depression who choose medication therapy (antidepressants). In-person community discussions will be held in Vancouver with 25-30 adults from across British Columbia. All participants must be able to attend all 4 full-day sessions of the deliberation.
- Welcome and Information Session: Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Deliberation Session 1: Sunday, November 17, 2024
- Deliberation Session 2: Saturday, November 30, 2024
- Finalizing Recommendations and Policy Panel Discussion: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Participants will work together to identify and discuss key issues about adding PGx testing as another publicly-covered treatment option for those with major depression in BC. The goal of the event is for participants to collectively develop policy recommendations that reflect what is important to them about the topic. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary to participate.
PLEASE NOTE: Selected participants will receive an information booklet to help them prepare for the deliberation. The project is led by researchers from the University of British Columbia. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Stirling Bryan (Professor, School of Population and Public Health, UBC).
Find out more in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here. Learn more about major depression, antidepressants, and PGx testing here.
Contact us
Get in touch with us at pgx.deliberation@ubc.ca