"Mounjaro not only helps with weight loss but also aids in ADHD?"
On the 2nd, the mental health YouTube channel 'Brain Experts' uploaded a video titled 'The Hidden Secrets of Mounjaro that Surprised Psychiatrists,' sharing the views of psychiatric specialists on the above question.
Dr. Oh Dong-hoon, a specialist in mental health, stated, "Recently, during a consultation, I heard an interesting story from a client, saying that Mounjaro helps alleviate ADHD symptoms."
This has been a topic of discussion since the initial release of Wegovy, consistently raised in overseas communities like TikTok and Reddit. Mounjaro is said to have a so-called 'brain quiet' effect. Does Mounjaro actually have this effect?
In response, the Brain Experts team said, "It can have such effects to some extent." Dr. Kim Ji-yong, a specialist in mental health, explained, "Mounjaro, like Wegovy, interacts with GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors and additionally acts on GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)," adding, "These also affect the hypothalamus, which is responsible for survival instincts, and the reward circuits in the midbrain that handle pleasure." He further explained, "If the reward circuit response is dulled due to the Mounjaro injection, dopamine activation may be suppressed, which can ease impulsive behavior."
However, he also mentioned that Mounjaro cannot completely replace treatments for ADHD symptoms. Dr. Heo Gyu-hyung, a specialist in mental health, stated, "ADHD symptoms are largely divided into attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While Mounjaro may have effects on impulse control, there is still little evidence that it directly enhances working memory or executive function."
He also urged caution regarding the side effects of Mounjaro. The Brain Experts team warned, "Mounjaro can prevent dopamine spikes, which may mean we become somewhat indifferent even in situations where we should feel pleasure," and cautioned, "If the medication suppresses the reward circuit too strongly, it could lead to a loss of motivation even in individuals who were not depressed."
Reactions from viewers of the YouTube video were mixed. Some comments included, "I have ADHD, and since starting Mounjaro, my inhibitory function has improved significantly," and "I feel mentally relaxed and have a good motivation," while others expressed, "I actually feel lethargic and don't want to do what I need to do," and "The feeling of powerlessness just doesn't go away."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Food and Drug Safety Administration announced last year that they would establish measures to prevent the misuse of new obesity treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
