Scotland’s latest Suicide Prevention Action Plan — “Creating Hope Together” 2026–2029 — brings welcome funding (£3 million+ for 2026-27) and priorities like supporting at-risk individuals and community education. However, the plan makes no reference to akathisia or any medication-related suicide risks — despite akathisia being a well-documented adverse effect of a wide variety of commonly prescribed medications. See the full announcement at: https://www.gov.scot/news/working-together-to-prevent-suicide/

This gap is concerning given that akathisia is often preventable with improved education, awareness, close monitoring, and informed consent about medication risks. Explore our free resources and take our courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com to learn more.

New research finds that most people experiencing grief don’t think diagnostic labels like ‘prolonged grief disorder’ help them — and that medicalizing grief can sometimes cause harm. While grief and medication harms are different topics, both highlight the importance of listening to patients, avoiding unnecessary medicalization, and being transparent about risks and benefits. At MISSD, we believe medication safety — especially around drugs that can cause akathisia — is essential to protecting lives. When people and clinicians understand risks, ask questions, and monitor responses carefully, harms can be prevented. Read the full article at https://www.madinamerica.com/2026/01/doing-harm-the-human-cost-of-turning-mourning-into-a-disorder/.

A large Canadian study is prompting renewed attention to the mental health effects of common blood pressure medications. Researchers found that adults aged 66 and older who were prescribed angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) had a significantly higher risk of suicide compared with those taking ACE inhibitors, another widely used treatment for the same conditions.

Patients should never stop or change medications without medical guidance. However, the findings raise important questions about how medications that act on the body—especially those affecting neurochemical systems—may also influence mood, agitation, impulsivity, or despair, particularly in older adults. At MISSD, we emphasize that:

• Mental and behavioral changes can be medication-induced
• These effects are often missed or misattributed
• Suicide prevention must include careful monitoring after medication changes

Read the full article at https://www.bolnews.com/health/popular-blood-pressure-drug-linked-to-higher-suicide-risk-in-older-adults-study-finds/

While exhibiting at a recent conference, an attendee from the construction industry informed us of a sobering reality: suicide rates in construction are alarmingly high, and many workers are veterans. This is more than statistics—it’s about real lives and families forever changed.

A New York Times article published today underscores this crisis, pointing to isolation, job stress, and a “culture of toughness” that discourages asking for help—especially in male-dominated trades. It’s also important to note that many vets report high prescribing rates and polypharmacy in lieu of therapeutic therapy because the waiting time for therapy was often long.

The construction industry now has one of the highest suicide rates of any U.S. occupation. Read the full article at https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/realestate/construction-industry-suicides.html.

Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of citalopram, an SSRI antidepressant, in the system of former Philippine public official Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19, 2025, following a fall in Benguet. Authorities have stated the death is being treated as suicide, with no evidence of foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In response to public discussion, the Philippine Psychiatric Association cautioned against linking antidepressants to suicide, emphasizing untreated depression as a risk factor and noting that SSRIs are considered safe when appropriately prescribed and monitored.

MISSD supports informed consent and transparency about known medication risks so that healthcare consumers, providers, and family members can be better informed prior to prescription. All SSRIs carry a black box warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for increased suicidal thoughts and behavior, particularly during treatment initiation or dose changes. Akathisia—a severe, medication-induced state of inner agitation—remains underrecognized and can contribute to suicidal crises.

We extend our condolences to Ms. Cabral’s family. Learn more at missd.co and read the full article at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/12/30/2497741/psychiatrists-warn-against-linking-antidepressants-suicide.