🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-03-03

A Novel Blood Test as a Biomarker in Mental Health (NCT06856161)

A Novel Blood Test as a Differential Diagnosis and Drug Efficacy Biomarker in Mental Health

🟢 Recruiting Interventional Protocol 📊 Observational Clinical Research Sponsor: Fraser Health

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

This longitudinal, observational study aims to assess whether the characteristics of a novel blood peripheral biomarker can serve as indicators for depression and schizophrenia in patients at the Royal Columbian Hospital Psychiatric Clinics. The study will evaluate whether changes in these biomarker characteristics can help distinguish between depressed patients who do or do not respond to treatment and between individuals experiencing a single psychotic episode and those at risk of progressing to schizophrenia. To achieve this, blood samples and standardized mental health assessments will be collected across three study visits from up to 500 participants, grouped into two study arms based on their diagnosis: Depression (DEP) or Psychosis/Schizophrenia (PSY).

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (1 items).

Location: Royal Columbian Hospital — New Westminster, British Columbia

Age range: 19 Years

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

  • Exclusion Criteria: I. Inability to provide informed consent. II. Currently enrolled in any other research study involving drugs or devices that may confound mental health treatment outcomes. III. Currently declared on extended leave Under British Columbia's Mental Health Act.

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • Royal Columbian Hospital — New Westminster, British Columbia

📞 Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (236) 332-6575

Email: LeadingMH@fraserhealth.ca

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗