A recent article from Pharmacy Practice News examines the clinical challenges of distinguishing tardive dyskinesia from other medication-induced movement disorders. Misdiagnosis can delay appropriate care and expose patients to ongoing harm—particularly when drug-induced conditions are mistaken for primary psychiatric or neurological illness.

At our last conference, a pharma rep insisted there is a med specifically designed to treat akathisia. Turns out he was confusing akathisia with tardive dyskinesia…

Clear diagnostic understanding is essential for patient safety, informed treatment decisions, and prevention of further injury. Read the full article here https://www.pharmacypracticenews.com/Clinical/Article/02-26/Tardive-Dyskinesia-Distinguishing-From-Drug-Induced-Disorders/79588.

Today marks 13 years since Natalie’s medication-induced death. Her story—shared on our podcast—reminds us that akathisia is real, often missed, and can be especially dangerous when mistreated by increasing the akathisia-inducing drug. In memory of Natalie and all victims of akathisia, we continue educating clinicians and families to prevent avoidable suffering and death. Take our free courses, share our resources and listen.

After taking what was believed to be retatrutide, Bunnie XO—wife of country star Jelly Roll—described emotional numbness, loss of joy, and severe suicidal depression on her podcast.

Similar psychiatric reactions—including suicidal thoughts—have been reported with GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Regulators are monitoring these signals. Eli Lilly said the drug was not their product, highlighting growing risks tied to counterfeit or unapproved weight-loss injections.

It is critical to recognize akathisia-like symptoms early, use a medication-monitoring partner, and demand transparent risk discussions.

Med-induced suicidality is largely preventable with awareness. See MISSD.co for free resources and take our courses at MISSD.LearnUpon.com. Read the full story at https://shorturl.at/Ek83b.

 At MISSD, we are committed to amplifying the voices of those who have endured the devastating effects of medication-induced akathisia and related neurological injuries. Today, we highlight the powerful testimony of Danielle Gansky, whose experience beginning in childhood underscores the urgent need for better informed consent, cautious prescribing practices—particularly for young people—and greater recognition of severe withdrawal syndromes. In a recent interview, Danielle describes being prescribed depression pills at just 7 years old after being flagged for behavioral and attention concerns at school. What followed was a cascade of additional psychiatric drugs—including ADHD stimulants—leading to long-term dependence. When she eventually discontinued these drugs, she entered what she describes as a “living nightmare” of physical and psychological torment, including symptoms consistent with akathisia: intense inner restlessness, burning sensations, extreme agitation, and profound despair. Danielle has publicly shared:  “I was put on antidepressants at seven years old. I’m the long-term study they never did.”

See the full interview at https://x.com/RealLindellTV/status/2018698162807222367.

Katie Brennan, was a Teacher of the Year, mother of six, and a respected member of her community —with no history of mental illness. After prescribed medications caused akathisia, her symptoms were misdiagnosed as psychiatric illness. Despite pharmacological and genetic testing showing she was not suited for these drugs, Katie was dismissed, forcibly medicated, and wrongfully committed — even across state lines. A false psychiatric record followed, costing her career and harming her family.

In our latest Akathisia Stories podcast, Katie shares what happens when medical professionals misdiagnose akathisia and systems fail — and how she’s determined to correct the record and reclaim her life. Listen now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRZCvbFAdMw.

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.