Photo Credit: Makhbubakhon Ismatova
Seven in 10 US adults would prefer to be asked about both their physical and mental health during medical appointments with primary care professionals (PCPs), according to the results of a survey released by West Health and Gallup. The West Health-Gallup Survey on Mental Health took place via web and mail from October 1 to 13, 2024, with 2,389 respondents representing all 50 US states and the District of Columbia. Majorities among both men (65%) and women (76%) reported being eager to discuss both their mental and physical health with their PCPs. Most US adults reported being either “very comfortable” (41%) or “somewhat comfortable” (33%) discussing mental health with a PCP. If a mental health condition is diagnosed, more than half of adults (57%) say it is essential for the doctor to either address it themselves or provide a referral. The survey also revealed that more than half of US adults (51%) think it is very important for doctors to screen patients for anxiety and depression.
