Most U.S. Adults Want to Be Asked About Mental Health at Primary Care Visits

Majority also report that screening for depression, anxiety is very important

By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Seven in 10 U.S. adults would prefer to be asked about both their physical and mental health during medical appointments with primary care providers (PCPs), according to the results of a survey released by West Health and Gallup.

The West Health-Gallup Survey on Mental Health was conducted via web and mail from Oct. 1 to 13, 2024, with 2,389 respondents and representing all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

Majorities among both men (65 percent) and women (76 percent) reported being eager to discuss both their mental and physical health with their PCPs. Most U.S. adults reported being either “very comfortable” (41 percent) or “somewhat comfortable” (33 percent) discussing mental health with a PCP. If a mental health condition is diagnosed, more than half of adults (57 percent) say it is very important for the doctor to either address it themselves or provide a referral. The survey also revealed that more than half of U.S. adults (51 percent) think it is very important for doctors to screen patients for anxiety and depression.

“We can do a better job making the diagnosis and treatment of a mental health condition more accessible, affordable, and integrated, and the solution may lie in primary care settings, where patients are most likely to interact with a health professional and less likely to feel stigmatized,” Tim Lash, president of the West Health Policy Center, said in a statement.