1 in 5 people in US with anxiety won’t seek treatment

A survey by GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor,  a leader in genetic testing and precision medicine, has found that one in five people with mental health conditions in the US won't seek treatment until these symptoms take a toll on their lives.

Nearly half (46%) of all respondents rated their anxiety symptoms as moderate to severe over the past six months. 

Of those surveyed with a diagnosis of anxiety, 86% rated their symptoms as moderate to severe over the past six months. More than half of those diagnosed say they lived with symptoms for years or decades before seeking treatment. 

Other findings include: 

• 36% of people who think they have anxiety are planning to seek treatment
• 47% said a debilitating panic attack would cause them to get treatment
•  Additional reasons included not being able to leave their homes (34%), sleep issues (31%), an unshakeable feeling of dread (30%) and a negative impact to relationships (30%)

“Imagine waiting until you lose your hearing to treat an ear infection. Patients who are experiencing anxiety symptoms shouldn’t wait to seek treatment,” said Robin Miller, Internist, MD, MHS, owner of Triune Integrative Medicine in Medford, Oregon.

“If you are afraid to go out, experiencing panic attacks, can’t sleep, or your relationships are suffering, you don’t have to live like this. You don't have to wait. You don't have to suffer for years. Help is out there – and treatment can help.”