(NAPSI) — The latest GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor survey shows that nearly half of Americans feel that they have lost time in their lives due to poor mental health. One example is Courtney Nugent, whose long struggle with anxiety lasted a decade. Initially, her medication helped, but after undergoing a surgery, it was no longer effective, and Courtney underwent a trial-and-error journey trying seven different medications to get back to “normal.” She even had to call off her wedding. Her medical record reflects a six-month crisis, but she fought every second of every day to get her life back.
Of those diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression, 50% say they have lost years of their lifetime and 12% say they’ve lost decades. About a third say they’ve missed significant events due to ineffective mental health treatments and trial-and-error medications.
The GeneSight test helps inform clinicians regarding the effectiveness of proposed medication treatment plans based on their genetic makeup, helping to shorten their patients’ road to wellness.
Sharon Philbin, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, orders the GeneSight test (a simple cheek swab) to see how her patients respond to several mental health medications based on their individual genetics. “GeneSight has been one of the tools I’ve used to help my patients feel better and take control of lost time so that those living with anxiety and depression can enjoy their lives,” says Philbin.
Courtney was prescribed a new medication based partly on her GeneSight test results and began to feel like herself again. “I have a new job and a new lease on life,” says Courtney.
Learn more about how the GeneSight tool is helping practitioners prescribe the proper medication to treat anxiety and depression in their patients at https://genesight.com/mental-health-monitor.
