Establishment of the Society for the Advancement of Neuroscience and Psychiatry in Residency Research Education (Synapse): An Organization to Promote Research Training in Residency.

The incidence of mental health problems (MHP) has increased globally, particularly among school-aged children, and especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic​ (Bommersbach et al. ). This trend has raised serious concerns, as the prevalence of MHPs has surged over the past decade, drawing attention to the importance of early diagnosis and the development of effective testing methods. This is where biomarkers come into focus, particularly those with the potential to predict future risks of MHPs (de Sousa Maciel et al. ; Mongan et al. ). Biomarkers are defined as characteristics that are objectively measured and evaluated as indicators of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention​ (Atkinson et al. )​. Biomarkers indicating the potential for developing a disease or a medical condition in an individual who does not currently have a clinically apparent disease or a medical condition​ (Califf ) may serve as valuable tools for early diagnosis​. Research into biomarkers has gained significant attention in recent years, intending to develop mental health biomarker (MHB) testing to identify individuals at risk of developing MHPs (Chan et al. ; de Sousa Maciel et al. ). Adolescence is a critical phase of brain development and is often identified as the period when the first incidence of MHPs usually occurs (Fuhrmann et al., ). Research evidence indicates that many MHPs experienced in adulthood have begun in early or late adolescence, underscoring the significance of this developmental stage. The onset of MHPs frequently occurs before the age of 18 on a global scale (Scheiner et al., ; Solmi et al., ). This highlights adolescence as a crucial period for early detection and implementation of interventions. Given the importance of this phase, biomarkers that predict the risk of developing MHPs could play a transformative role. With advances in biomarker technology, early identification of at-risk individuals could become feasible in the future. Adolescents, under 18 years, often require parental involvement in decision-making, as legal consent for testing varies across countries. Thus, the responsibility for making informed decisions largely falls on their parents/caregivers. This critical role places parents at the center of discussions about MHB testing. Given the potential of biomarkers in predicting health outcomes, genetic testing has been developed to use biological markers to estimate an individual’s susceptibility to specific conditions. As such, genetic testing provides a relevant reference point for understanding parental perceptions of MHB testing. While genetic testing has been widely regarded as beneficial (Lim et al., ; Yamamoto et al., ), research lacks exploring similar perspectives for MHB testing. This underscores the importance of exploring whether similar perspectives prevail regarding MHB testing, particularly given their shared goal of early risk prediction and the influence of parental perceptions of benefits and risks on the utility of genetic testing (Tercyak et al., ). To date, research on MHBs has focused primarily on their discovery, validation, and clinical feasibility, with limited attention to the societal contexts in which these technologies will be implemented. Yet perceptions, acceptability, and real-world utility are critical determinants of successful translation from laboratory to clinical practice. In adolescent mental health, parental perspectives are especially influential, as parents serve as key decision-makers in settings where adolescents cannot provide informed consent. How parents interpret MHB testing, including the perceived benefits, risks, and uncertainties, may shape its adoption and clinical uptake. These views may be further influenced by media portrayals of biomarker research, which can amplify mistrust or unrealistic expectations. Examining parental perspectives, therefore, advances biomarker research by integrating social acceptability into early-stage innovation, supporting more responsible, feasible, and sustainable implementation of adolescent MHB testing. This study is a crucial early step in the pre-implementation phase of biomarker development, providing the necessary links to ensure this emerging technology is not only scientifically valid but also socially viable. Previous research on genetic testing has shown that parents are generally supportive of testing following its potential to aid in early detection and manage future medical complications​ (Levine et al., )​. Caregivers reported that genetic testing provides clear diagnoses, improves treatment decisions, and supports better future healthcare planning (Zhou et al., ). These insights reflect a broader trend of optimism surrounding genetic testing’s role in advancing health and well-being. Given this context, exploring whether similar perceptions extend to MHB testing is essential.