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Study breakdown

Incretin Therapy Not Associated with Increased Self-Harm in Psychiatric Patients

RPEP-154002026Kalamaras, Hailey; White, Raechel T; Coon, Scott A; Perkel, Matthew; Elmaoued, Amre A
evidence
The takeaway

Incretin therapy (GLP-1 RAs) was not associated with increased self-harm behaviors in people with psychiatric conditions, providing safety reassurance against mental health concerns.

No self-harm increase

GLP-1 drugs did not increase self-harm behaviors even in psychiatric patients — addressing one of the most concerning safety questions

What the researchers found

Incretin therapy (GLP-1 RAs) was not associated with increased self-harm behaviors in people with psychiatric conditions, providing safety reassurance.

Why it matters

Mental health safety is a top concern for GLP-1 drugs used by millions. Confirming no self-harm increase in psychiatric patients is critical.

How the study worked

Study evaluating association between incretin therapy and self-harm behaviors in patients with psychiatric conditions.

What this study cannot tell us

Observational. Self-harm is rare and complex. Cannot detect very small risk increases.

How to read the evidence

Observational safety study in a vulnerable population.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

This adds to growing evidence that GLP-1 drugs are psychiatrically safe, countering early pharmacovigilance concerns about suicidality.

Questions still open

  • Should psychiatric evaluation be required before GLP-1 prescribing?
  • Could GLP-1 drugs actually improve some psychiatric outcomes?
  • Are specific GLP-1 drugs safer than others for psychiatric patients?

Common questions

Are GLP-1 drugs safe for people with mental health conditions?
This study found no increased self-harm risk in psychiatric patients on GLP-1 drugs — providing important reassurance for both patients and prescribers.
Can GLP-1 drugs cause suicidal thoughts?
Early concerns were raised, but this and other studies have not confirmed increased mental health risks. GLP-1 drugs appear psychiatrically safe based on current evidence.

Read the original research

Association of incretin therapy with self-harm behaviors in people with psychiatric conditions: A retrospective cohort study.

Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 2698811261416077

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Kalamaras, Hailey; White, Raechel T; Coon, Scott A; Perkel, Matthew; Elmaoued, Amre A. (2026). Association of incretin therapy with self-harm behaviors in people with psychiatric conditions: A retrospective cohort study.. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 2698811261416077. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811261416077