More Data on the Association of GLP-1 Agonists with Severe Depression

These drugs appear to be safe for patients without mental health diagnoses, but questions remain.

Observational data have suggested a link between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)–receptor agonists and severe depression; however, convincing evidence of causation has not been found (NEJM JW Gen Med Jun 1 2024). Earlier this year, the U.S. FDA released a statement that a preliminary review of case reports showed “no clear relationship” between suicidality and use of GLP-1 agonists.

Three new studies add further insight, as follows:

In a retrospective study from Sweden and Denmark, researchers used nationwide data to compare suicidality among patients who started GLP-1 agonists versus those who started sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. Among 300,000 patients, suicidality did not differ between the two groups during mean foll…

Reviewing Author

Christopher W. Goodman, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Christopher W. Goodman, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

More Data on the Association of GLP-1 Agonists with Severe Depression

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Reviewing Author