A systematic review by Breit and Hubl at the University of Bern's Translational Research Center presents evidence that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) offer dual benefits for patients with mental illness, addressing metabolic disorders and potentially improving mental health outcomes. The review highlights the safety and effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs in promoting weight loss and improving glycemic control in patients with mental illness, while also demonstrating a positive impact on mental health. Promising outcomes were observed for specific mental health conditions, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol use disorder. Despite these findings, longer-term studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further evaluate the long-term effects and potential use of GLP-1 RAs in treating mental illness.

Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology