MISSD recently presented at the Washington, DC Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, delivering a Lunch & Learn session focused on the recognition and risks of akathisia.

Akathisia is a serious and often unrecognized medication-induced disorder associated with profound distress and potentially life-threatening outcomes. Early identification remains critical to improving patient safety. During the session, MISSD provided education on:

• Recognizing akathisia in clinical and real-world settings
• The importance of assessing symptoms in relation to medication changes
• Strategies to support earlier identification and reduce misdiagnosis

In addition to the presentation, MISSD maintained an exhibit presence throughout the symposium, engaging with thousands of attending clinicians and distributing educational materials to expand awareness of medication-induced harm.

MISSD also highlighted its free accredited online courses, developed to support clinicians, patients, and caregivers in recognizing akathisia and improving safety outcomes.

Register for the courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com

MISSD continues its national and international efforts to advance recognition, education, and prevention of medication-induced harm that can cause self-harm, violence, and suicide.

MISSD founder, Wendy Dolin, and therapist Dr. Linda Stern prepare to greet symposium attendees and share MISSD’s educational resources.

It’s National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day and an appropriate time to highlight key protocols to improve patient safety. See our latest Akathisia Stories podcast, new Understanding Akathisia video and take our free courses. Read our press release and follow the links here: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/901408014/medication-reactions-often-missed-and-misdiagnosed-experts-warn

The U.S. FDA has issued a warning letter to Novo Nordisk citing incomplete reporting of postmarketing adverse events associated with semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), including serious outcomes such as deaths and a suicide.

While causation has not been established, incomplete reporting can delay recognition of potential medication-induced harms. MISSD previously highlighted emerging reports of psychiatric effects associated with GLP-1 medications, including akathisia, anxiety, and medication-induced suicidality:
https://missd.co/a-popular-weight-loss-drug-is-being-associated-with-medication-induced-suicidality

What to monitor:

• Sudden inner restlessness or agitation
• New or worsening anxiety or depression
• Suicidal thoughts or behavioral changes

Recommended actions:

• Contact your prescriber if symptoms arise
• Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch
• Use a trusted support person when starting or changing medications

MISSD supports informed decision-making, transparency, and education to improve patient safety. Take our free courses and see our educational resources available via the “Resources” link at the top of our website.

Research from Queen’s University Belfast, reported by The Mirror, analyzed more than 14,000 dementia cases in Northern Ireland and found antidepressant use associated with a slight increase in mortality risk. Anti-anxiety medications showed a stronger association.

The medications mentioned include commonly prescribed SSRIs such as sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine.

While these medications help many patients, the findings underscore the importance of careful prescribing and regular medication reviews, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Adverse reactions such as akathisia—a medication-induced disorder characterized by profound subjective inner restlessness and psychological distress—can be overlooked and misattributed to underlying illness.

MISSD continues to advocate for greater awareness of medication-induced akathisia and informed prescribing practices. Learn more through MISSD’s free online courses. Enroll at MISSD.LearnUpon.

Read the full article:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/new-warning-taking-drugs-like-36834321

A recent opinion piece in Psychiatric Times suggests that concerns about the “toxic” effects of psychiatric medications are often overstated.

At MISSD, we recognize that psychiatric medications can help many people. At the same time, discussions about medication safety should not overlook well-documented adverse effects such as akathisia—a medication-induced disorder that has been linked to self-harm, violence and suicide.

Because akathisia is frequently misdiagnosed as worsening anxiety or depression, greater awareness, careful monitoring, and clearly communicated risk information remain essential for patient safety. Take our free courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com to be safer and better informed.

Akathisia awareness and education reduces harm and saves lives.