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Study 10 of 12Retatrutide (LY3437943) literatureCurrent psychiatry reports · Review2023

GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists' psychopharmacology and putative neuropsychiatric associated effects: a Bradford Hill-informed, systematic, evaluation.

Current evidence suggests a potential link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and neuropsychiatric disorders, but causality has not been established.

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Where it sits

this study against the rest of the retatrutide (ly3437943) corpus
5
Preclinical
2
Observational
0
Open-label
1
Randomised
4
Reviews · this one

Summary and findings

This review evaluates the evidence linking GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists to neuropsychiatric outcomes. It integrates data from various studies to assess potential associations with conditions such as depression and anxiety. The findings indicate biological plausibility but insufficient evidence to establish causality.

How much of this paper we could read: full text read (0.70). We had a clear abstract, so the summary below closely tracks the paper. What this means →
Not reported in abstract.2023

Abstract

The authors’ words, as Current psychiatry reports supplied them

<h4>Purpose of review</h4>This review evaluates evidence linking both GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1RAs' exposure to a range of neuropsychiatric outcomes using the Bradford Hill criteria for causal inference.<h4>Recent findings</h4>Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and the dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide-GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) are incretin-based medications widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, with demonstrated cardiometabolic benefit and rapidly expanding population exposure. In parallel, post-marketing surveillance and emerging translational research have raised questions regarding potential central nervous system effects, including neuropsychiatric adverse events and psychopharmacological properties. Integrating data from receptor pharmacology, preclinical neuroscience, randomized controlled trials, and observational and pharmacovigilance studies, the strength, consistency, biological plausibility, and experimental support for reported associations with depression, anxiety, suicidality, reward-related behaviour, cognitive effects and retinal/ocular related disturbances were here assessed. Implications for clinical risk-benefit assessment were discussed as well. Current evidence supports potential biological plausibility of a relationship between GLP-1 RAs and a range of psychopathological disorders but remains insufficient to establish causality for most neuropsychiatric outcomes, suggesting the need for prospective, mechanism-informed clinical studies.

Background

This review addresses the potential neuropsychiatric effects of GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are commonly used in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Prior studies have indicated cardiometabolic benefits, but emerging concerns about neuropsychiatric adverse events necessitate a thorough evaluation. Understanding these associations is crucial for assessing the overall risk-benefit profile of these medications.

Methods

The review integrates data from receptor pharmacology, preclinical neuroscience, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and pharmacovigilance reports. It employs the Bradford Hill criteria for causal inference to evaluate the strength and consistency of the evidence. Specific details on population size, dose, duration, and outcome measures are not reported in abstract.

Results

The review indicates potential associations between GLP-1 receptor agonists and neuropsychiatric outcomes such as depression and anxiety. However, it emphasizes that the evidence is insufficient to establish causality for most outcomes assessed. Specific numeric findings or statistical analyses are not reported in abstract.

Interpretation

The findings suggest a biologically plausible link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and neuropsychiatric disorders, aligning with some preclinical and observational studies. However, the lack of definitive causal evidence limits the clinical implications of these associations. The review underscores the need for more rigorous, prospective studies to clarify these relationships.

Key findings

  • Current evidence supports potential biological plausibility of a relationship between GLP-1 RAs and a range of psychopathological disorders.
  • Insufficient evidence to establish causality for most neuropsychiatric outcomes.
  • Emerging translational research has raised questions regarding potential central nervous system effects.

Limitations

  • Insufficient evidence to establish causality for most neuropsychiatric outcomes.
  • Integration of various study types may introduce confounding factors.
  • No specific numeric findings or statistical analyses reported.

Elsewhere in the Retatrutide (LY3437943) corpus

BAccelerating Use of Unapproved Retatrutide Is Associated with Weaker Weight Loss and Increased Cardiovascular Symptomsbiorxiv-preprint · 2026 · 7.2% body weight loss at 6-12 months for compounded retatrutide users, n=531, P=0.004.HumanARetatrutide-Associated Improvements in Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers in Adults With Obesity With or Without Type 2 Diabetes.Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2023 · High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was reduced by -54.8% in Study 2.HumanCEffects of retatrutide on learning and memory in streptozotocin-induced male diabetic rats.Behavioural brain research · 2026 · Not reported in abstract.AnimalDRetatrutide: Obesity drug opens to "compassionate use" in US after speculation Trump took it.BMJ (Clinical research ed.) · 2026DRetatrutide: Obesity drug opens to "compassionate use" in US after speculation Trump took it.BMJ (Clinical research ed.) · 2026CEffects of retatrutide on learning and memory in streptozotocin-induced male diabetic rats.Behavioural brain research · 2026 · Retatrutide-treated diabetic rats showed preserved overall Morris Water Maze performance relative to untreated diabetic rats.Animal