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GeneSight Mental Health Monitor Reveals Gap on the Front Line of Mental Health Care
Survey finds primary care providers wish patients would raise mental health concerns so they can provide better overall care SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 17, 2022
About this update from Myriad Genetics, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Survey finds primary care providers wish patients would raise mental health concerns so they can provide better overall care\nSALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 83% of primary care providers (PCPs) wish more of their patients would talk to them about mental health issues and concerns so they can provide better overall care, according to the latest GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor, a nationwide survey from Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN). Yet, results of the Spring 2022 survey showed only 1 in 4 patients were given a depression screening by their PCP. More than half of surveyed clinicians don’t think patients are aware that PCPs and nurse practitioners (NPs) are fully trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. “When a patient comes into my practice, they may not even be aware that their symptoms could indicate depression, anxiety or another mental health condition,” said Michele Long, a nurse practitioner in Lancaster, Ohio. “It would be great if patients knew it was ok to bring up their concerns. However, it’s also my responsibility to ask the right questions – either by having my patient complete a mental health screening or just asking them myself.” More than half of PCPs said they wait to discuss specific mental health disorders like depression and anxiety until a patient raises a concern, or when the results of a screening/evaluation indicate the need. “I felt comfortable talking with Michele about my mental health challenges because she created a warm and nurturing environment,” said Beth, a patient of Michele Long. “Having her acknowledge my symptoms and recognize the struggles I was having – both with my depression and the medications I was taking for it that weren’t working – made me feel validated.” Treating vs referring: the primary care challenge More than six in 10 (63%) PCPs/NPs have increased referrals to mental health specialists over the past two years, despite the shortage in available care. “Primary care providers are now fighting two battles at once: more and more patients are experiencing mental health challenges, but there are fewer specialists available to send them to,” said Fred Fantazzia, general manager, Mental Health, Myriad Genetics. “PCPs want to provide quality mental healthcare so their patients can have a better chance at an improved quality of life, and ...