GLP-1s Tied to Lower Risk of Psychiatric Decline

Swedish study finds semaglutide and liraglutide associated with reduced risk of worsening mental health in patients with depression or anxiety

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:37pm

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A large observational study of adults with pre-existing depression or anxiety in Sweden found that use of the GLP-1 receptor agonists semaglutide and liraglutide was associated with a reduced risk of worsening mental health, including lower rates of psychiatric hospitalization, long-term sick leave, self-harm, and suicide. The study authors caution that a causal relationship cannot be established, but the findings suggest these medications may have potential benefits beyond diabetes and weight loss.

Why it matters

People with diabetes are at increased risk of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicide. While data on whether GLP-1 receptor agonists impact psychiatric symptoms have been mixed, this large nationwide study provides evidence that certain GLP-1s, particularly semaglutide, may have a protective effect on mental health in those with pre-existing conditions. The findings could have important implications for how these widely used diabetes medications are viewed and prescribed.

The details

The study analyzed Swedish national health data from 2009-2022, looking at 95,490 adults with diagnosed depression, anxiety disorders, or both who were prescribed non-insulin diabetes medications. Periods when individuals were using specific GLP-1 receptor agonists were compared to periods when they were not. Semaglutide use was linked to a 42% decreased risk of worsening mental health, while liraglutide was associated with an 18% reduction. Semaglutide was also tied to lower risks of worsening depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Other GLP-1s showed no significant mental health benefits. The researchers suggest semaglutide's greater potency for weight loss and glycemic control may contribute to its more pronounced psychiatric effects.

  • The study was published online on March 18, 2026.
  • The cohort was followed for a mean of 5.2 years.

The players

Markku Lähteenvuo

The research director at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio who led the study.

Thomas Rutledge

A staff psychologist at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego who provided commentary on the study.

Riccardo De Giorgi

A clinical lecturer, honorary consultant in general adult psychiatry, and adjunct professor within the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford in England who also commented on the findings.

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What they’re saying

“We would need randomized clinical trials to really settle the dispute for good. However, our study is very large and comprehensive (nationwide and inclusive), so I think we can be pretty certain that there is an association with using GLP-1s and reduced psychiatric symptoms.”

— Markku Lähteenvuo, Research director, University of Eastern Finland

“Semaglutide seems to work better for weight loss and glycemic control than liraglutide (or the other studied GLP-1s). Thus, this could indicate that semaglutide is just more potent in general and that the effects we observe for the psychiatric symptoms are related to the overall efficacy of the GLP-1.”

— Markku Lähteenvuo, Research director, University of Eastern Finland

“The findings are 'reassuring.' In this population, GLP-1 RAs do not appear to be associated with worsening mental health and may, in fact, be linked to a lower risk of clinically significant deterioration.”

— Riccardo De Giorgi, Clinical lecturer, honorary consultant in general adult psychiatry, and adjunct professor, University of Oxford

What’s next

The study authors and other experts say the next research step should be better-controlled studies to more closely monitor adherence, biological mechanisms, and psychosocial changes over time to better understand which patients may benefit most from GLP-1 receptor agonists in terms of mental health.

The takeaway

This large observational study provides evidence that certain GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, may have protective effects on mental health in people with pre-existing depression or anxiety. While a causal link cannot be established, the findings suggest these widely used diabetes medications could have benefits beyond just metabolic outcomes and warrant further targeted investigation.