Incretin therapy, involving drugs like GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, is increasingly seen as a viable treatment for a variety of chronic illnesses, including cardiometabolic, renal, hepatic, and obesity-related diseases. Remarkably, these therapies are also being considered for psychiatric conditions, including depression and cognitive disorders.
During the 2024 American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting, Dr. Roger S. McIntyre, a professor at the University of Toronto, discussed the potential of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists in psychiatric treatment. He highlighted the brain’s high energy consumption and susceptibility to oxidative stress, noting the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties of these drugs as key factors in their therapeutic potential.
Dr. McIntyre cited emerging data indicating that patients using GLP-1 agonists for diabetes show a reduced risk of depression and cognitive decline, suggesting not only a preventative benefit but also a potential causal relationship between GLP-1 dysregulation and mental disorders. He speculated on the structure of future clinical trials, emphasizing the importance of evaluating these drugs' ability to prevent the progression of psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and recurrent depressive episodes.
In summary, incretin therapies are proving their worth beyond traditional applications, offering new hopes in psychiatry by potentially altering disease trajectories and reducing recurrence risks in mental health disorders.
