Association of Hydroxylmethyl Glutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors, L-Type Calcium Channel Antagonists, and Biguanides With Rates of Psychiatric Hospitalization and Self-Harm in Individuals With Serious Mental Illness. | Bipolar and Related Disorders | JAMA Psychiatry | JAMA Network

Association of Hydroxylmethyl Glutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors, L-Type Calcium Channel Antagonists, and Biguanides With Rates of Psychiatric Hospitalization and Self-Harm in Individuals With Serious Mental Illness. | Bipolar and Related Disorders | JAMA Psychiatry | JAMA Network

Could statins and blood pressure drugs be used to treat serious mental illnesses?

New research suggests a handful of commonly used drugs for physical conditions might also be beneficial for people with serious mental illnesses. The study looked at health data from more than 142,000 people in Sweden with serious mental illnesses who were taking statins or certain blood pressure and diabetes drugs. Past studies have suggested the medicines might have an impact on psychiatric conditions. The analysis found that patients were less likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric reasons during times when they were on any of the drugs compared to times when they weren't. The authors say that more research could shed light on whether the drugs could be repurposed.

January 9, 2019

Association of Hydroxylmethyl Glutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors, L-Type Calcium Channel Antagonists, and Biguanides With Rates of Psychiatric Hospitalization and Self-Harm in Individuals With Serious Mental Illness

Joseph F. Hayes, PhD¹; Andreas Lundin, PhD²; Susanne Wicks, PhD²; et alGlyn Lewis, PhD¹; Ian C. K. Wong, PhD^3,4; David P. J. Osborn, PhD¹; Christina Dalman, PhD²

Author Affiliations Article Information

JAMA Psychiatry. Published online January 9, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.3907