We applaud the launch of Heads Up Vet, a coalition focused on addressing undiagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a significant but often missed contributor to veteran suicide. Research shows veterans with TBI have a substantially elevated risk, and initiatives that prioritize early community identification and connection to care are vital.

What most people are not aware of is that TBI’s increase the risk of akathisia. As an organization that has actively worked with veterans to highlight medication-induced harms, MISSD knows these issues frequently intersect. Veterans seeking help for TBI symptoms, concussive injuries, PTSD, or related mental health challenges are commonly prescribed medications such as SSRIs or other psychotropics. Many of these medications can also increase the risk of akathisia and suicidality.

We cover these risks in our free akathisia courses open to all at MISSD.LearnUpon.com/catalog. Prevention demands a full picture: addressing TBI, while also equipping veterans, families, and clinicians with knowledge of potential drug-induced suicidality. Read the full article at: https://www.military.com/veterans-health-care/a-coalition-is-targeting-the-link-to-veteran-suicide-that-most-miss.