MISSD

It was a good week with the release of our latest public health video and our Rapid Response in the BMJ. Together, we're closing the patient safety gap through accurate info, comprehensive risk assessment, education and training.

Watch: A Quick Ad That Says What Drug Ads Don't Email from MISSD New Public Health Video + MISSD’s BMJ Rapid Response Out Now: New Pharma-Style Akathisia Video & BMJ Rapid Response Our new public health video highlights how drug commercials downpla

Akathisia awareness and questions about medication should be a routine part of any comprehensive su***de assessment and prevention training.

When this safe-patient gap is overlooked in medical training and clinician guidance, we speak up.

Read our latest Rapid Response in today's BMJ.

Medication-induced akathisia: An overlooked contributor to su***de risk and iatrogenic harm Article Related content Article metrics Rapid responses Response Rapid Response: Medication-induced akathisia: An overlooked contributor to su***de risk and iatrogenic harm Dear Editor, We welcome the BMJ’s focus on improving recognition and management of suicidal ideation in primary care. Early r...

A new BMJ clinical update highlights the importance of recognizing suicidal ideation, asking direct questions about su***de, and providing timely support.

But while MISSD welcomes this focus on su***de prevention, there is a glaring omission:

When evaluating suicidality, clinicians should routinely ask questions about medication and any medication changes. Akathisia, withdrawal effects, and other psychiatric adverse drug reactions should always be considered as part of any comprehensive su***de prevention program.

Strengthening the UK primary healthcare response to suicidal ideation While better recognition and earlier intervention is needed, both evidence and training gaps need addressing Su***de claims 720 000 lives globally annually,1 with the UK alone seeing roughly 20 deaths by su***de each day.2 Effective su***de prevention requires action at all levels, including from go...

When symptoms have a name, they can be recognized.
When they are accurately recognized, they can be managed. Akathisia awareness saves lives.

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Our new public health video spotlights how commercials for drugs associated with akathisia routinely fail to mention akathisia.
This has to change.

"Recognition is the first step toward prevention." -- Wendy Dolin, MISSD Founder

MISSD Releases New Public Health Video on Medication-Induced Su***de Risk "Let's Call It What It Is: Akathisia" highlights a medication-induced disorder associated with serious psychiatric adverse effects

"I didn't know how serous benzodiazepines were, which I wish I did." - Brandon Lawes, Akathisia Stories, Episode 7

Brandon Lawes on Benzos, Ativan, and Groaning Uncontrollably Brandon's Full Episodehttps://youtu.be/eduvleaC4HEIndependent n...

🎙️ NEW AKATHISIA STORIES EPISODE
Brandon Lawes shares his experience with medication-induced akathisia following a prescription for Ativan, including years of misdiagnosis, severe neurological symptoms, and the struggle to have drug-induced injury recognized.

In this episode, Brandon discusses:
▪️ Akathisia and benzodiazepines
▪️ Drug-gene interactions (CYP450)
▪️ Misdiagnosis and medical gaslighting
▪️ Patient advocacy and informed consent
▪️ Preventing medication-induced su***de, self-harm, and violence

Brandon's story is a powerful reminder that akathisia remains one of the most underrecognized medication-induced neuropsychiatric disorders.
🎧 Listen now and share to help raise awareness.

Akathisia Stories with Brandon Lawes, Episode 7 Akathisia, Metabolism, and Misdiagnosis: Brandon’s StoryIndepend...

A compelling new article highlights what many have been raising concerns about for years: the “serotonin myth” presented by pharma marketing as settled science, contributing to widespread antidepressant prescribing.

With 1 in 7 Australians now taking these medications—and growing numbers of long-term users—the consequences of treating complex human distress without accurate risk information are becoming clearer. Key points reflected in the article:

The chemical imbalance theory is not supported by evidence.

Overprescribing, particularly in time-limited settings, is a concern.

Safe deprescribing and access to non-drug supports are urgently needed.

Withdrawal problems (and withdrawal akathisia) can be difficult and is not rare.

MISSD recognizes that medications can help some individuals, but patients deserve clear, complete information about potential risks—before starting, changing, or stopping treatment.

The serotonin myth and the medicating of Australia Australia’s soaring antidepressant use is forcing an overdue reckoning with the serotonin myth, overprescribing and the medicalisation of ordinary human distress.

Poor access to therapy and mental health support is leading to more antidepressant prescribing—but too many patients are never warned about serious adverse effects including akathisia and withdrawal difficulties.

Symptoms are often mistaken for worsening anxiety or depression, leading to more medication or increased doses instead of accurate recognition.

Patients and families deserve honest risk info and non-drug options for safer care.

Poor mental health care 'is forcing GPs in certain parts of the country to dish out pills' Experts claim that a lack of NHS resources in poorer parts of the country mean that, increasingly, GPs are relying on antidepressants to treat patients.

💔 Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the 21-year-old Norwich student who tragically took his own life after experiencing severe side effects from hair loss pills.

Cases like this highlight a critical but often overlooked issue: certain medications, including those prescribed for hair loss (such as finasteride), have been associated with akathisia — a med-induced disorder that can drive suicidal thoughts and actions. France recently strengthened warnings on finasteride for exactly these psychiatric risks.

Healthcare consumers and providers need to know about med-induced self-harm, violence, and suicidality. Our free resources and courses on akathisia are available to everyone.

Read the full story here:

Student, 21, took his own life after hair loss tablets triggered suicidal thoughts Oliver Fawkes, 21 and a Master's student at the University of East Anglia, took his own life after hair loss tablets triggered suicidal thoughts.