Study at Psych Congress 2025 Unveils Elevated Suicidal Thoughts in Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder from MindMed's Retrospective Analysis
In a groundbreaking presentation at Psych Congress 2025, researchers from MindMed Inc. shared findings from a comprehensive study on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and suicidal ideation (SI). The study, based on the 2022 National Health and Wellness Survey, involved over 75,000 respondents.
The study revealed that GAD affects approximately 26 million U.S. adults, and among them, nearly 50% of individuals with severe GAD reported experiencing SI almost daily. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for innovative treatments in the field.
Interestingly, the study also showed that 65% of those reporting GAD symptoms also reported major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms. This finding underscores the strong association between GAD and MDD, two of the most prevalent mental health disorders in the U.S.
Among those with GAD, 78% with moderate symptoms and 91% of those with severe symptoms reported SI within the past two weeks. Suicidal ideas in people with GAD most frequently occur with concrete suicidal thoughts but without planning (severity level 2), as well as passive death wishes and overwhelming tiredness of life (severity level 1).
The study also shed light on the economic burden of these disorders. MDD carries a $326 billion annual economic burden in the U.S., driven by healthcare costs and lost productivity.
MindMed, a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company, is at the forefront of developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders. The study on GAD and SI was funded by MindMed.
In addition to the GAD and SI study, MindMed presented several other poster presentations at Psych Congress 2025. These included a detailed safety analysis of MM120 in Phase 1 and Phase 2, a Number Needed to Treat (NNT) and Number Needed to Harm (NNH) analysis of MM120 in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Phase 2b Trial Evaluation, and a Multimorbidity Burden among Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
It's important to note that rates of SI remained high among those reporting both GAD and MDD symptoms. Approximately 50% of GAD patients do not experience sustained relief, and many inadequately respond to first-line treatments. This highlights the need for continued research and the development of effective treatments for these debilitating conditions.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among U.S. adults, especially those aged 44 years or younger. The findings from MindMed's study serve as a call to action for mental health professionals, policymakers, and the general public to address the rising rates of GAD, MDD, and SI.
The study's findings underscore the urgent need for more effective treatments for GAD and MDD, as well as for increased awareness and understanding of the complex relationship between these disorders and SI. As research continues, it is hoped that innovative treatments will emerge to provide relief and improve the quality of life for those suffering from these conditions.
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