The nationwide survey from Myriad Genetics, Inc, conducted in September 2024, is the final in a three-part series tracking how the election season is affecting American’s mental health, particularly amidst the ongoing mental health crisis in the United States.
Anxiety and/or depression around the election was already elevated during Phase I of the survey in May 2024, with 40% of Americans reporting feelings of depression and/or anxiety about the upcoming election. These levels have stayed elevated, with 45% feeling anxious or depressed in July, and 41% reporting similar feelings in September.
Additionally, of those who are already suffering from anxiety and/or depression, 50% reported feeling anxious and/or depressed about the election in May. Of the same population, 66% reported feeling anxious/depressed about the election in July, and 59% in September.
Phase III results of the survey also revealed that month-over-month depression and/or anxiety symptoms continue to worsen in the lead up to the election. As of September, those experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression reported increased anxiety due to the news and social media around the election. In May, 49% reported increased anxiety, rising to 60% in July and just slightly decreased to 56% in September.
“It’s unfortunate that Americans’ mental health continues to be negatively affected by election season,” said Thomas J. Valente, M.D., a psychiatrist in Leesburg, Florida. “This multi-phase survey has showed that as campaigning ramped up, Americans’ mental health deteriorated. Given our country’s ongoing mental health crisis, this is a cause for concern.”
For individuals struggling with their mental health, the GeneSight test could be a useful tool as it provides clinicians with information about how their genes may affect how they break down or respond to certain medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
“We hope that Americans will consider taking steps to improve their mental health given this important election is right around the corner,” said Valente. “The GeneSight test is one of the tools I’ve used to help my patients get back on the road to mental wellness.”
About the GeneSight Mental Health Monitor
The GeneSight Mental Health Monitor is a nationwide survey conducted online by ACUPOLL Precision Research, Inc. Phase I was conducted between May 8-15, 2024, Phase II was conducted between July 23-30, 2024, and Phase III was conducted between September 16-23, 2024 among a representative sample (n=1000) 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.
