MISSD applauds award-winning playwright Lisa Loomer for her powerful and deeply personal play, Side Effects May Include…, now running at the Contemporary American Theater Festival. The festival is recognized as one of the top theater festivals in the world by publications such as The New York Times and American Theater.

Inspired by her own son’s heartbreaking experience, Loomer adeptly brings akathisia and related iatrogenic harm into the spotlight. Akathisia is a devastating, medication-induced disorder that can lead to self-harm, violence, and suicide. Yet most sufferers report they were never warned about the risk, nor given fully informed consent before being prescribed medications associated with akathisia. Most sufferers also report their akathisia symptoms were missed, dismissed or misdiagnosed as signs of DSM-labeled disorders.

Critics are praising Side Effects May Include… for its emotional impact, gripping storytelling, and steadfast look at a global public health crisis.

“Like being burned alive in a locked coffin.”
“Living in a scream.”
These are the words used to describe akathisia in the play—and for many, they are all too real.

MISSD is honored to be listed as a resource in this critically acclaimed production. We are deeply grateful to Lisa Loomer for using her voice to raise awareness about a condition that affects millions, demands informed consent, and deserves urgent attention. For more information about this production, see https://dctheaterarts.org/2025/07/17/side-effects-may-include-at-contemporary-american-theater-festival/.