Concerns about Mental Health Medication Side Effects Remain a Barrier to Getting Help for Those Diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety, According to the GeneSight Mental Health Monitor
Myriad Genetics reveals significant findings about mental health medication perceptions through their GeneSight Mental Health Monitor survey. While 89% of Americans with depression/anxiety believe in medication effectiveness, 52% avoid taking them due to side effect concerns.
The survey highlights that 54% of patients believe genetic testing (pharmacogenomic/PGx testing) could reduce medication concerns. Notably, 62% of diagnosed patients whose providers didn't use PGx testing wish they had been informed about it.
The study also shows strong social acceptance of mental health medications, with 67% agreeing it's socially acceptable to take them, and 66% having positive views of others using such medications. Patients rate mental health medication effectiveness similarly to treatments for high blood pressure (94%), high cholesterol (90%), and arthritis (84%).
Myriad Genetics svela risultati importanti sulle percezioni riguardo ai farmaci per la salute mentale attraverso il loro sondaggio GeneSight Mental Health Monitor. Sebbene il 89% degli americani con depressione o ansia creda nell'efficacia dei farmaci, il 52% evita di assumerli per timore degli effetti collaterali.
Il sondaggio evidenzia che il 54% dei pazienti ritiene che i test genetici (test farmacogenomici/PGx) potrebbero ridurre le preoccupazioni legate ai farmaci. In particolare, il 62% dei pazienti diagnosticati i cui medici non hanno utilizzato il test PGx desidererebbe essere stato informato a riguardo.
Lo studio mostra inoltre una forte accettazione sociale dei farmaci per la salute mentale: il 67% concorda che è socialmente accettabile assumerli, e il 66% ha un'opinione positiva nei confronti di chi li utilizza. I pazienti valutano l'efficacia dei farmaci per la salute mentale in modo simile ai trattamenti per la pressione alta (94%), il colesterolo alto (90%) e l'artrite (84%).
Myriad Genetics revela hallazgos significativos sobre las percepciones de los medicamentos para la salud mental a través de su encuesta GeneSight Mental Health Monitor. Aunque el 89% de los estadounidenses con depresión o ansiedad cree en la eficacia de los medicamentos, el 52% evita tomarlos por preocupaciones sobre efectos secundarios.
La encuesta destaca que el 54% de los pacientes considera que las pruebas genéticas (pruebas farmacogenómicas/PGx) podrían reducir las inquietudes sobre los medicamentos. En particular, el 62% de los pacientes diagnosticados cuyos proveedores no usaron pruebas PGx desearía haber sido informado al respecto.
El estudio también muestra una fuerte aceptación social de los medicamentos para la salud mental, con un 67% que está de acuerdo en que es socialmente aceptable tomarlos y un 66% que tiene una visión positiva de quienes los usan. Los pacientes valoran la efectividad de los medicamentos para la salud mental de manera similar a los tratamientos para la presión arterial alta (94%), el colesterol alto (90%) y la artritis (84%).
Myriad Genetics는 GeneSight Mental Health Monitor 설문조사를 통해 정신 건강 약물에 대한 인식에 관한 중요한 결과를 발표했습니다. 우울증이나 불안을 겪는 미국인의 89%는 약물의 효과를 믿지만, 52%는 부작용 우려로 복용을 피하고 있습니다.
설문조사에 따르면 54%의 환자가 유전 검사(약물유전체학/PGx 검사)가 약물에 대한 우려를 줄일 수 있다고 생각합니다. 특히, PGx 검사를 사용하지 않은 의료진에게 진단받은 환자의 62%는 해당 검사에 대해 알았더라면 좋았을 것이라고 답했습니다.
이 연구는 정신 건강 약물에 대한 사회적 수용도도 높음을 보여줍니다. 67%가 약물 복용이 사회적으로 용인된다고 동의하며, 66%는 타인이 약물을 사용하는 것에 대해 긍정적인 시각을 가지고 있습니다. 환자들은 정신 건강 약물의 효과를 고혈압 치료(94%), 고콜레스테롤 치료(90%), 관절염 치료(84%)와 유사하게 평가했습니다.
Myriad Genetics révèle des résultats significatifs concernant les perceptions des médicaments pour la santé mentale grâce à leur enquête GeneSight Mental Health Monitor. Bien que 89% des Américains souffrant de dépression ou d'anxiété croient en l'efficacité des médicaments, 52% évitent de les prendre par crainte des effets secondaires.
L'enquête souligne que 54% des patients pensent que les tests génétiques (tests pharmacogénomiques/PGx) pourraient réduire les inquiétudes liées aux médicaments. Notamment, 62% des patients diagnostiqués dont les médecins n'ont pas utilisé les tests PGx auraient souhaité en être informés.
L'étude montre également une forte acceptation sociale des médicaments pour la santé mentale, avec 67% des personnes qui estiment qu'il est socialement acceptable de les prendre, et 66% ayant une opinion positive de ceux qui les utilisent. Les patients évaluent l'efficacité des médicaments pour la santé mentale de manière comparable aux traitements de l'hypertension (94%), du cholestérol élevé (90%) et de l'arthrite (84%).
Myriad Genetics präsentiert bedeutende Erkenntnisse über die Wahrnehmung von Medikamenten zur psychischen Gesundheit durch ihre GeneSight Mental Health Monitor-Umfrage. Während 89% der Amerikaner mit Depressionen oder Angstzuständen an die Wirksamkeit von Medikamenten glauben, vermeiden 52% aufgrund von Nebenwirkungsbedenken deren Einnahme.
Die Umfrage zeigt, dass 54% der Patienten glauben, dass genetische Tests (pharmakogenomische/PGx-Tests) Bedenken bezüglich der Medikamente verringern könnten. Bemerkenswert ist, dass 62% der diagnostizierten Patienten, deren Ärzte keine PGx-Tests verwendeten, sich wünschen, darüber informiert worden zu sein.
Die Studie zeigt außerdem eine starke gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz von Medikamenten zur psychischen Gesundheit: 67% stimmen zu, dass es sozial akzeptabel ist, solche Medikamente einzunehmen, und 66% haben eine positive Einstellung gegenüber anderen, die diese Medikamente verwenden. Patienten bewerten die Wirksamkeit von Medikamenten zur psychischen Gesundheit ähnlich wie die Behandlung von Bluthochdruck (94%), hohem Cholesterin (90%) und Arthritis (84%).
- 89% of diagnosed patients believe mental health medications are effective, validating GeneSight's market potential
- 54% of patients agree genetic testing could reduce medication concerns, indicating strong market demand for GeneSight
- 62% of untested patients wish they had known about PGx testing, suggesting significant growth opportunity
- Healthcare providers actively using GeneSight test for treatment plans, showing product adoption
- 52% of potential patients avoid taking medications due to side effect concerns, limiting immediate market size
- 4-6 week waiting period for SSRI effectiveness may impact patient adoption rates
More than half say genetic testing for mental health medications could reduce concerns
SALT LAKE CITY, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly nine out of ten (
The majority of these patients (
“It’s encouraging to see patients recognize what we, as healthcare providers, already know—that medications can be an effective option for people struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions,” said Whitnee Brown, DNP, CRNP, FNP, PMHNP, a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Birmingham, Alabama. “But the trial-and-error process is common and may be frustrating enough to discourage someone from seeking mental health treatment altogether.”
Among those diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety,
“I offer the GeneSight test, which analyzes how a patient’s genes may influence how they metabolize or respond to certain mental health medications, as a part of my treatment plan for patients for whom I am considering prescribing medication” noted Dr. Brown. “For example, it can take about four to six weeks for an SSRI medication to take effect, which can feel like a long time to a patient who is in despair or experiencing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. The GeneSight test gives me insights and takes out some of the guesswork associated with prescribing mental health medications.”
Lisa Roberts, a patient of Dr. Brown’s was struggling with her mental health after a string of painful life events, including her mother’s passing and other family members’ chronic health issues.
“My problems were not going away, and I found myself wishing I could just not be here,” said Ms. Roberts. “I did not have time for a lengthy trial-and-error process for medication; I needed relief.”
Dr. Brown used Lisa’s GeneSight test results to aid in prescribing a medication, and today Ms. Roberts is on a medication that works for her.
“I’m here!” exclaimed Ms. Roberts. “I am able to help my family members, taking them to appointments, go to my job—in fact, I was just promoted--without wanting to just run away!”
The GeneSight Mental Health Monitor also revealed:
67% of Americans surveyed strongly agree that it is socially acceptable to take medications for mental health62% of Americans surveyed strongly agree that they would feel comfortable discussing their use of mental health medications with their family66% of Americans surveyed have a positive view of other people taking mental health medications, with just5% reporting a negative view.
In fact, respondents rated the effectiveness of mental health medications as similar to that of medications prescribed for their high blood pressure (
About the GeneSight Mental Health Monitor
The GeneSight Mental Health Monitor is a nationwide survey conducted online by ACUPOLL Precision Research, Inc. between January 24 - February 10, 2025, among a representative sample (n=1089) of U.S. adults age 18+. The margin of error in survey results for the total base population at a
In addition to the nationally representative sample, a statistically reliable sample was desired of respondents who were self-reported as being diagnosed by a medical professional with depression or anxiety. The study also used mental health screening instruments, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) for depression, and the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) for anxiety, to better understand this population.
ACUPOLL has more than 30 years of experience conducting statistically valid research through careful recruiting and quality control measures.
Independently Reviewed
This survey was independently reviewed on February 26, 2025, by Paul J. Lavrakas, Ph. D. and was found to be “an exceptionally high-quality nonprobability survey whose findings can be trusted with a good deal of confidence.” Lavrakas served the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) as its first Conference Operations chair in 1996-1997, as Program Chair in 1997-1998, and as Senior Counselor at Large in 2008-2010. In 2003, he was the co-winner of the AAPOR Innovator’s award for helping to establish the Standard’s Definitions Manual. He was elected to serve AAPOR as its Vice President, President, and Past President from 2011-2014. In 2019, he was honored with AAPOR’s Exceptionally Distinguished Achievement lifetime award for his contributions to the field of survey research.
About the GeneSight Test
The GeneSight Psychotropic test from Myriad Genetics is the category-leading pharmacogenomic test for more than 60 medications commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions. The GeneSight test may help inform clinicians about how a patient’s genes may impact how they metabolize or respond to certain psychiatric medications. The GeneSight test supplements other information considered by a clinician as part of a comprehensive medical assessment. Learn more at GeneSight.com.
About Myriad Genetics
Myriad Genetics is a leading molecular diagnostic testing and precision medicine company dedicated to advancing health and well-being for all. Myriad Genetics develops and offers molecular tests that help assess the risk of developing disease or disease progression and guide treatment decisions across medical specialties where genetic insights can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.myriad.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements that the results of pharmacogenomic (PGx) tests, such as the company’s GeneSight test, may help clinicians understand how their patients may metabolize or respond to certain mental health medications. These “forward-looking statements” are management’s expectations of future events as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions, and events to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. Such factors include those risks described in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2025, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. Myriad is not under any obligation, and it expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.
Investor Contact
Matt Scalo
(801) 584-3532
IR@myriad.com
Media Contact
Kate Schraml
(224) 875-4493
PR@myriad.com
PDFs accompanying this announcement are available at:
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FAQ
What percentage of depression and anxiety patients avoid mental health medications due to side effects according to GeneSight's 2025 survey?
How effective are mental health medications according to Myriad Genetics (MYGN) 2025 study?
Can genetic testing reduce concerns about mental health medication side effects?
How do Americans view mental health medications compared to other medical treatments in 2025?
What percentage of patients wish their healthcare provider had informed them about GeneSight genetic testing?
