Americans’ anxiety toward upcoming Presidential election has increased; mental health expert encourages treatment for those who are impacted
Phase II of GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor Election Survey from Myriad Genetics Shows 41% of Americans Report Feeling Anxious as the Election Draws Closer
A growing number of Americans are reporting that their moods, anxiety and/or depression continue to be negatively impacted by the upcoming Presidential election according to the latest GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor: Special Election Series, a nationwide survey from Myriad Genetics, Inc., a leader in genetic testing and precision medicine.
“In my role, I am not surprised that people are feeling more anxious given the unprecedented events that have already occurred leading up to this election,” said Thomas J. Valente MD, a psychiatrist from Leesburg, Florida. “With three months still to go, I encourage anyone feeling high levels of anxiousness about the election, politics, or the state of the world to consider seeking treatment.”
As election campaigning is ramping up, there is evidence that more Americans are feeling the impacts. According to the survey results:
- Just 43% report their moods are not impacted by the election as of July, whereas in May, 54% reported their moods weren’t impacted.
- 75% of those already suffering from anxiety and/or depression report that their moods are being negatively affected by the election, an increase from 66% in May.
- 47% of Americans now feel the news and social media around the upcoming Presidential election has made them more anxious than usual, an increase from 38% in May.
The latest monitor results are the second of three in a series tracking how the election season may affect Americans’ mental health, particularly amidst the ongoing mental health crisis in the United States. The third survey of the GeneSight Special Election Series will follow in October.
Dr. Valente encourages those who are struggling with anxiety and/or depression to consider the GeneSight test as part of their treatment plan. “In my practice, the GeneSight test has helped me quickly identify a more appropriate medication, which helps my patients feel better faster.”
The GeneSight Psychotropic test is a genetic test that shows healthcare providers how their patient’s genes may affect how they break down or respond to certain medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. The GeneSight test reveals which medications may require dose adjustments, be less likely to work, or have an increased risk of side effects based on the patient’s DNA.
Read more:
Survey Suggests Increased Attention on Mental Health Warranted in the Run-Up to the Election
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, and Phase II was conducted between July 23-30, 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.