Invent Health - Future of Mental Health and Behavioral Health Survey

1. Invent Health Future of Mental and
Behavioral Health Survey
April 4, 2019 @UCSF

3. 72% believe the current standard
of dispensing psychotropics is a big
part of the mental health problem.

4. “Taking a pill first to solve a problem is endemic in the US culture and medical system.”
“Pharmacy companies prescribing medication in large amounts ‘like candy’ are putting people on
medications that will not necessarily be beneficial to them. This is decreasing the quality of our mental
health care and the state of many patients. If we were to take more time to carefully diagnose mental
health problems and focus on each patient as a person and not a consumer, this problem could be
erased.”
“There is a place for these drugs but don’t believe we understand enough about them to use them
appropriately, nor do we surround with/replace with alternative non-pharmacologic treatments.”
“Meds present a ‘quick fix’ that is ‘scientifically supported’ and coupling this with advertising targeted to
consumers with this messaging it creates an incentive for both patients and providers to use it as a
default rather than secondary treatment option.”
Comments from those surveyed

5. 74% believe without objective
diagnostics, the industry should
move toward a protocol of
digital/therapeutic solutions before
administering medications.

6. “I agree that after judging the severity of the symptoms, it could be beneficial to not put the patient on
drugs immediately. Patients could find that there are other ways to reduce symptoms that do not
include medication. This could reduce the amount of people on medication without increasing
depressive symptoms.”
“It is obvious that what we’re doing is not improving people’s lives. We must try other ways. As a good
start, we should improve diagnosis with tech (that is accurate and user-friendly).
“There seems to be an over-reliance on chemical substances vs good old-fashioned remedies
(exercise, spending time outdoors, connecting with people)”
“Only if digital therapeutics can be clinically validated. They need to provide the promise of greater
granularity.”
Comments from those surveyed

7. 74% believe religion is good for
mental health.

8. “Yes is qualified in that any initiative which brings people together as a community in a positive way
will have the same effect. Religion is one way to improve mental health but it has to be practiced in the
right way; without exploitation of the individual or any group.”
“Yes and no. If a person uses religion for personal growth and understanding then yes. However, often
times it is used to judge and discriminate toward others.”
“There will always be unanswerable questions and irreconcilable happenings in life, and religion
provides relief to people in those times.”
“Absolutely. We live in the most un-churched region in the US and as a Christian that is involved with
my church and a longtime startup exec, I have been blessed with the support of my church community
in good times and in bad. Like therapy, it has helped me through very difficult periods in my life
.Culture in the Valley loves to roll their eyes at “us’ that go to church. I’d welcome anyone to join me or
any friend to attend a temple, mosque or church and give it a try before dismissing it.”
“Religion delivers face-to-face community and decreases isolation that has a direct correlation to
decrease in depression.”
Comments from those surveyed

9. “The notion that there is an increased interest in religion in newer generations is misplaced, as was
said on the panel. By my definition, ‘Soul Cycle’ is definitely not a religion as it does not include
believing and placing faith in a higher power. Similarly, following and liking a bad cannot be
synonymous with religion. When defining religion like this, I can see that it is not the act of following a
religion that improves mental health, but the community that is built around this shared interest.”
“Religion itself isn’t good for mental health but what religion has to offer. Finding a supportive
community of like-minded individuals can help. Religion offers social aspects that are beneficial for
long-term health.”
“But religion doesn’t have to mean in the traditional sense. Anything which gives you a sense of
community and belonging is helpful!”
“I am a firm believer that religion keeps my sanity.”
“Religion is defined as devotional work. It could be yoga for somebody like me, God for another and a
Guru for yet another. “