Akathisia awareness and education are cornerstones of MISSD’s mission. While public health advertisements can help people be safer and better informed, it’s disappointing that Vanda Pharmaceuticals’ ad promotes their schizophrenia products and fails to mention that akathisia can be caused by hundreds of different drugs prescribed for non-mental health-related issues. Akathisia is a drug-induced disorder unrelated to schizophrenia and other DSM labels. See https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/aka-what-vanda-looks-to-enlighten-tv-viewers-schizophrenia-drug-side-effect-new-awareness

This often happens when akathisia is missed or misdiagnosed: Doctors “may mistake adverse drug effects from the prescription as signs of diseases instead. Therefore, rather than stopping the medication, another prescription is added to the regimen, leading to a polypharmacy cascade.”

Read the full article at https://www.theepochtimes.com/when-prescriptions-harm-you_4639067.html?utm_source=Health&utm_campaign=health-2022-08-06&utm_medium=email&est=DVXIP5lSJTBzxo5gYw1NPNYwWIMfx4HvaI9dubkXrRTTZRg5mhNGd2lAs577SQ%3D%3D

Mental health advocates are concerned about the potential pitfalls of the new 988 hotline, which include learning to “separate mental health crisis responses from law enforcement.” MISSD notes that 988 call center staff should also be trained to inquire about prescription drugs and adverse drug effects that can cause suicidality.

Read the full article at https://www.northjersey.com/story/life/community/2022/08/04/988-suicide-hotline-national-mental-health-activists-issues/65379567007/