Large Study Finds GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Lower Rates of Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Harm | Research

The takeaway

A large cohort study found GLP-1 RA users had lower incidence of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidality compared to users of other diabetes medications.

Lower psychiatric event rates
GLP-1 RA users vs. DPP-4i, sulfonylurea, and SGLT2i users in propensity-matched cohorts

What the researchers found

GLP-1 RA use was associated with lower incidence of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidality compared to DPP-4i, sulfonylureas, and SGLT2i in propensity-matched cohorts.

Why it matters

With millions taking GLP-1 RAs, understanding their mental health effects is critical — this study suggests potential psychiatric benefits rather than harm.

How the study worked

Large propensity score-matched cohort study using TriNetX electronic health records (2013-2019); three active comparator cohorts.

What this study cannot tell us

Observational design cannot prove causation; EHR data may miss mental health events not coded in records; healthy user bias possible.

How to read the evidence

Large propensity-matched cohort study — strong observational design with active comparators, but cannot establish causation.

When this study was published

Published 2026 in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. Data from 2013-2019.

The bigger picture

Amid regulatory scrutiny of GLP-1 RA psychiatric safety signals, this large observational study provides reassuring evidence of potential mental health benefits.

Questions still open

Is the mental health benefit mediated by weight loss, direct brain effects, or improved metabolic health?
Do these findings apply to non-diabetic populations using GLP-1 RAs for obesity?

Common questions

Do GLP-1 drugs affect mental health?

This large study found GLP-1 drug users had lower rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm compared to users of other diabetes medications, suggesting potential psychiatric benefit.

Should people with depression avoid GLP-1 drugs?

Based on this data, GLP-1 RAs do not appear to worsen mental health and may actually be associated with better psychiatric outcomes. However, discuss any mental health concerns with your doctor.

Read the original research

Association of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use with anxiety disorders, depression, self-harm, and suicidality: a large cohort study.

Diabetes research and clinical practice, 233, 113104

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Anagnostakis, Filippos; Kokkorakis, Michail; Anastasiou, Georgia; Nagarajan, Shrihari; Mantzoros, Christos S. (2026). Association of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use with anxiety disorders, depression, self-harm, and suicidality: a large cohort study.. Diabetes research and clinical practice, 233, 113104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2026.113104