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77% of Americans have used addictive behaviors or unhealthy coping mechanisms to manage their mental health, according to Myriad Genetics nationwide survey
Medication failure leads 45% of respondents with depression and/or anxiety to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms SALT LAKE CITY, April 19, 2023 (GLOBE
About this update from Myriad Genetics, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Medication failure leads 45% of respondents with depression and/or anxiety to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms\nSALT LAKE CITY, April 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From restricted or binge eating to excessive gambling to extreme social media use, 77% of Americans surveyed say they have used at least one addictive behavior and/or unhealthy coping mechanism to manage their mental health issues, according to the GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor, a nationwide survey from Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN). Nearly all Americans (94%) surveyed agree that substance and behavioral addictions often mask underlying mental health issues. Though they may view these behaviors as addictive or as unhealthy coping mechanisms (or both), many admit to still using them 1. “Mental health and addiction often go hand-in-hand,” said Morgan Freas, PharmD, a senior medical science liaison with Myriad Genetics. “Yet the stigma associated with admitting mental health challenges is often greater than escaping into substance or behavioral abuse.” The survey found those diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety consider drinking alcohol alone as an unhealthy coping mechanism, addictive behavior or both (77%). Yet, 41% of these respondents admitted to drinking alone to cope. In fact, 25% of this segment who said they heavily drank alone admitted they were worried they had a problem. “Many of my patients have struggled with depression and/or anxiety but failed to find a treatment that made them feel better. So, they resorted to alcohol, drugs or destructive behaviors to sooth themselves, as these offered short-term relief,” said Dawn Johnson, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at the Indiana Center for Recovery in South Bend2. “However, this behavior resulted in worsening mental health and destruction of their lives. I’ve seen it personally.” Johnson’s husband died due to his addictions and mental health issues. After his death, she studied to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner to help others address their mental health and substance/behavioral addiction issues. Medication trial and error may prompt unhealthy choices Two-thirds of those diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety have experienced trial and error in trying to find medication that works for them. Nearly half of this segment (45%) report they have turned to an unhealthy coping me...