Polygene algorithm for weight gain in first episode psychosis (PolyX)
Participant type
Overview
This study is no longer looking for new participants but is still ongoing.
We are carrying out a research project to study whether a person’s genetics may cause people to gain weight when taking anti-psychotic medication. This will enable us to target interventions at those individuals at greatest risk of gaining weight. A patient's genetic profile may also be used to make informed choices about the best medication to prescribe as well as targeting individuals with lifestyle interventions. Together, these advances could help reduce the risk of patients with psychosis developing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease (CVD) in the future.
Summary
What is the study about? What are you trying to find out?
The project aims to establish whether it is possible to calculate how much weight someone will gain on antipsychotic medication by looking at their genetic make-up, or genes. This is what the word “algorithm” means in the project title above.
The information from each patient in the study will be combined to look at if there are links between the patients, genes, and weight gain. A patient's genetic profile may also be used to make informed choices about the best medication to prescribe as well as targeting individuals with lifestyle interventions.
Together, these advances could help reduce the risk of patients with psychosis developing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease (CVD) in the future.
What does taking part involve?
This study is no longer looking for new participants but is still ongoing.
If you choose to participate in this study, we will need to access your health records for details of your birth weight, weight gain, prescribed medication and your blood glucose and blood lipid results
We also want to analyse your DNA. The sample will be taken using a saliva cheek swab kit.
There are two parts to the study as follows. You can, of course, withdraw at any stage, explained further at the bottom of this document.
Meeting (likely to be at the clinic, or by telephone and post and lasting about 30 minutes)
- Read participant information sheet again (you will be given a copy to read beforehand)
- Consider the study; ask questions Complete and sign consent form
- Collect your weight
Sample Collection
- Provide a DNA sample by using the cheek swab kit provided. This will be performed by the researcher at your appointment.
Who is it for?
This study is no longer looking for new participants but is still ongoing.
To take part you needed to be:
- Aged 18 - 65 years of age
- Diagnosed with first episode psychosis
- Prescribed an antipsychotic
- Able to provide informed consent
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
Why is it important?
All this is extremely important as currently there is no reliable way to predict risk of weight gain in individuals with first episode psychosis. Knowing how to calculate this risk effectively will have an immediate and direct benefit not only to individual patients but also for the wider NHS.
How can I find out more?
This study is no longer looking for new participants but is still ongoing.
However, if you have questions for the research team, click the button below to email the research team:
Collaborators
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