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GLP-1 drugs are showing promise as part of a treatment plan for some mental health disorders.

There is more research data about GLP-1 use for depression and substance use disorders than other disorders.

GLP-1 drugs should not be used for eating disorders except when part of a research trial.

GLP-1 medications are effective for the treatment of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence has suggested that the GLP-1 medications may also be useful for the treatment of some psychiatric disorders.

People with diabetes and/or obesity "have an elevated risk of developing depression, anxiety, and suicide" (Taipale, 2026). There is good evidence that GLP-1 drugs can improve these co-morbid conditions in some patients.

GLP-1 is a hormone secreted from the intestinal tract triggered by eating food. It stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, slows stomach emptying, and makes people feel full.

GLP-1 is also produced in the brain and affects nerve function, "energy balance, appetite regulation, and brain rewards from food and drug intake" (Angarita, 2021). It also decreases inflammation and oxidative stress, which are implicated in the development of depression and anxiety (Gunturu, 2024).

Several studies "show improvement in depression symptoms following treatment with GLP-1" (Gunturu, 2024). For example, one study showed a significant reduction in depression scores in subjects taking GLP-1 compared to subjects taking a placebo (Chen, 2024).

In addition to improvements in depressive symptoms, GLP-1 has "been shown to have neuroprotective...properties" (Cooper, 2023).

In contrast, one research trial using GLP-1 drugs on obese research subjects did not show a benefit from GLP-1 in the prevention of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior (Kornelius, 20240). However, this study did not address whether the depressive subjects improved on these medications.

When GLP-1 drugs were first released, the FDA did surveillance for possible negative side effects. There was early evidence suggesting that suicidal ideation and behavior were more common among people taking these drugs. However, new data convinced the FDA that GLP-1 does not increase the risk of suicidal ideation or behavior (Drug Safety Communication, 2026).

An example of research supporting the FDA's new position is a study showing GLP-1 is "not associated with an increased risk of psychiatric adverse events or worsening depression symptoms" (Pierret, 2025).

Substance Use Disorders

Evidence supports the use of GLP-1 medications for "treating alcohol and other substance use disorders" (Farokhnia, 2026). This is not surprising because GLP-1 medications "inhibit dopamine release in the brain's reward center" (Laurindo, 2022).

Alcohol use disorder treatment by GLP-1 medication is the best studied of the chemical addictions.........

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