MISSD

A new Psychiatric Times review examines medications used to reduce su***de risk. Some pharmacological treatments may help. But clinical trial data is often cherry-picked and some drug trials downplay risks. Therefore, it is critical to be aware of medication side effects that can cause suicidality. Drug risks need to be part of the conversation.

If a loved one suddenly seems agitated, cannot sit still, or describes unbearable restlessness, and/or out-of-character thoughts, ask: Could this be akathisia? When speaking with medical professionals, it is important to state that the symptoms might be signs of akathisia.

Recognizing akathisia is a key part of su***de prevention.

Evidence-Based Pharmacologic Approaches to Reducing Su***de Risk | Psychiatric Times Learn how clozapine, lithium, ketamine, and antidepressants fit into su***de prevention, from rapid crisis relief to long-term risk reduction.

A new New York Times article reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding informed-consent requirements for psychiatric medications.

The FDA’s boxed warning for drugs marketed as antidepressants identifies increased suicidality risk in children, adolescents, and young adults through age 24. But akathisia does not discriminate based on age.

Akathisia can affect anyone, particularly when starting, stopping, or changing the dose or type of certain medications.

Patients and families deserve clear information about medication risks and what changes to watch for. Recognition starts with a name.

V.A. Institutes New Consent Requirements for Some Psychiatric Drugs (Gift Article) Veterans under 30 will have to sign forms before being given antidepressants. Medical groups fear the moves may stigmatize mental health treatment.

A medication review is worth the conversation. A new study found that potentially major drug interactions were still flagged for more than one in five older adults, often involving drugs marketed as antidepressants.

It is recommended that people who are taking several medicines bring the full list—including supplements—to a well-informed healthcare provider or pharmacist and ask what symptoms to watch for.

Possible Drug-Drug Interactions Flagged for Older Americans Many are on 5+ prescription drugs or dietary supplements

Ten years ago, we designated September 20th as International Akathisia Awareness Day.
It's a day of remembrance, recognition, and hope that is now globally recognized.
Please share our safe-patient videos and educational resources.

International Akathisia Awareness Day 2026 International Akathisia Awareness Day — September 20Today is Inte...

Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month is an appropriate time to watch and share our latest video that highlights our awareness campaigns, free courses and resources.

Back in 2016, MISSD established September 20 as International Akathisia Awareness Day to increase understanding, improve patient safety, and honor those affected by this medication-induced disorder. Awareness matters: Recognition is a key to prevention. Education can reduce avoidable harm and save lives.

As a donor-supported nonprofit, MISSD provides free courses, presentations, podcasts, public-health videos, and printed resources for healthcare professionals, consumers, caregivers, and families. You can support MISSD by sharing our resources and consider making a tax-deductible donation to help keep vital education free and accessible.

Understanding Akathisia: Awareness, Education & Hope During Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month, learn why recognizin...

As Lisa points out in our Akathisia Stories podcast, the symptoms of akathisia can be long-lasting.

Lisa Acquaviva on Surviving Cancer, Akathisia, and Turning Her Experience Into Advocacy What happens when a patient survives extraordinary medical complexi...

A recent Psychiatric Times article seeks to “debunk” claims about antidepressants. But its discussion of su***de risk leaves out akathisia. This is particularly disappointing given that September is Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month.

Akathisia has been associated with self-harm, violence, and su***de -- even in clinical drug trials in which the only participants were health volunteers.

Too often, the distressing symptoms of akathisia are misdiagnosed as relapse or a new DSM-labeled disorder—rather than considered as a possible adverse drug effect.

MISSD supports honest risk disclosure and careful monitoring when medications associated with akathisia are initiated or changed.

Patients and families cannot promptly respond to risks they have never been told to watch out for.

Debunking the Top 10 Misleading Claims About Antidepressants | Psychiatric Times Experts dissect 10 common antidepressant myths, separating evidence from fear on efficacy, addiction, su***de risk, withdrawal, and safe tapering.

A new Lancet review, reported by PsyPost, finds that drugs marketed as antidepressants can differ significantly in their effects on weight, heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver enzymes.

Patients should also be told about risks that cannot be measured by a scale, blood test, or blood-pressure cuff. Akathisia is commonly associated with a SSRI antidepressants and can precipitate self-harm, violence, and su***de. It can occur when a medication is started, stopped, or changed, and it is frequently mistaken for worsening anxiety or depression.

Careful prescribing begins before the first dose. Clinicians should review other medications, medical history, and potential interactions. When appropriate, metabolism and pharmacogenetic testing can offer useful information about how a person may process certain drugs and help inform medication decisions.

Antidepressants show wide variation in physical side effects A new analysis of clinical trials reveals that different antidepressants have vastly different impacts on bodily functions, driving major shifts in body weight, heart rate, and blood pressure during treatment.

This week’s MIA roundup of three papers may sound familiar to families who contact MISSD. The authors raise important questions about drugs marketed as antidepressants, including whether withdrawal effects are often mistaken for relapse.

Many consumers also report they were not adequately warned about how difficult stopping can be. When they try to reduce or discontinue medication, knowledgeable professional support can be hard to find.

That information gap matters:
Starting, increasing, reducing, or stopping certain psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, can precipitate akathisia.

Antidepressants: Limited Evidence, Inadequate Information, and Little Support to Stop This week, Mad in America explores three articles around antidepressant use and discontinuation. The first article questions the evidence base supporting Three new papers challenge the evidence for long-term antidepressant treatment and highlight how inadequate information, poor communication, and l...

Our first TV ad brings awareness to a wider audience—because recognizing medication-induced akathisia starts with knowing the name and the symptoms. Watch and share.

A First for MISSD: Our Akathisia Awareness TV Ad Launches in Australia MISSD’s public health campaign is reaching audiences across Austral...