Myriad Genetics Blog Myriad Genetics Blog > GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor Results GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor Results May 20, 2025 Neuroscience Patient Story Myriad Genetics has been conducting the GeneSight Mental Health Monitor surveys since 2020 to learn about American attitudes towards mental health and related issues. The surveys have covered a broad range of topics including aging with depression, unhealthy coping mechanisms and what depression feels like to those who struggle. This spring’s survey focused on antidepressants and how Americans view them. What the results revealed is extremely positive—yet uncovers a challenge. Whitnee Brown, a PMHNP and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Birmingham, Alabama, and her patient Lisa Roberts of Huntsville, shared their stories in support of the survey results, which can be viewed here. GeneSight Mental Health Monitor Results Nearly nine out of ten (89%) Americans diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety believe mental health medications are somewhat or very effective, yet concerns about potential side effects remain a significant barrier, preventing more than half (52%) of those who have never been on a mental health medication from taking them. The majority of these patients (54%) agree that genetic testing for mental health medications (known as pharmacogenomic or PGx testing) could reduce these concerns. “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 Dr. Brown. “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, 62% of patients whose healthcare provider did not use PGx testing wish they had been informed about it. “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.” Ms. Roberts 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 health 62% of Americans surveyed strongly agree that they would feel comfortable discussing their use of mental health medications with their family 66% of Americans surveyed have a positive view of other people taking mental health medications, with just 5% 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 (94%), high cholesterol (90%), and arthritis (84%). 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 95% confidence interval is +/- 3%. A nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 years or older was recruited and balanced to match U.S. Census quotas across five primary metrics (i.e., age, gender, income, region, ethnicity). 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.