Gene-YD – PharmacoGENEtics in Youth Depression

Upon obtaining informed consent, DNA sample will be collected from all participants in the form of a buccal swab and a blood sample for pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing at the Screening Visit. Participants who meet the selection criteria, will provide a cheek swab using the YOUTH MIND kit from Gene-S. A blood sample will also be collected, to be analysed by the PathWest laboratory. For participants who are randomised into the intervention arm, the treatment plan for their antidepressants will be informed by the participant’s PGx report. This report provides recommendations for antidepressant prescribing that are guided by the participant's PGx profile, in accordance with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recommended doses. The recommendations regarding the class of antidepressant and dosage are based on guidelines from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) and the Royal Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG). The treatment guide will be provided by a psychiatrist from the research team and sent to the participants General Practitioner (GP). Participants in the control group will receive a treatment guide based on the current clinical guidelines, prepared by a psychiatrist on the research team. Both the participant and their GP will be blinded. Treatment initiation for all participants will occur within four weeks following the Screening Visit. During the Screening Visit, the research team will advise the participant to schedule and appointment with their GP within 1-4 weeks, in which time the PGx report and treatment guide will be prepared and sent to their nominated GP. Reviews of participants will be conducted at 6, and 12 weeks after the initiation of treatment. The adherence of participants to the antidepressant treatment will be reviewed by the Investigators using the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5). Medications recommended for both groups will comply with current TGA guidelines.