JAMA Psychiatry: Suicide and Self-Harm Events With GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Adults With Diabetes or Obesity

By Concierge Medicine Today Editorial Team on May 18, 2025

About The Study: There is unlikely to be an increase in the very low incidence of suicide-related adverse events among individuals receiving glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) within the context of randomized clinical trials. While these findings may further ease concerns about these adverse effects, continued monitoring is warranted to identify particular patients who may be at risk as extended use of GLP-1 RAs expands.

Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Sean P. Heffron, MD, MS, MSc, email sean.heffron@nyulangone.org.

By JAMA Psychiatry. Published online March 19, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.0091

Question Is glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) use for the treatment of diabetes or obesity associated with risk of suicidal and/or self-harm behavior or ideation?

Findings This systematic review and meta-analysis of 144 studies found no imbalance in the very low incidence of suicide and self-harm between arms of randomized clinical trials of GLP-1 RAs vs placebo.

Meaning Although these findings further ease concerns about these adverse effects, continued monitoring is warranted to identify potential subgroups of patients at risk for adverse events with extended and expanded use of GLP-1 RAs.

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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SOURCE: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2831637