Knowledge is power–and knowing the signs of akathisia can save lives. The families featured in our public health video share some symptoms they unknowingly witnessed prior to their loved ones’ demise. Listen & learn.

Bereaved parents in France have joined together to file complaints about the serious and sometimes fatal adverse effects of SSRIs. Vincent Schmitt and Yoko Motohama and Gilles and Giusiana Mannoni lost sons to sudden and out-of-character death shortly after the sons were prescribed SSRIs. One in ten French people are taking drugs marketed as antidepressants. “However, these medicines are known to act on the brain under construction in adolescents and young adults, which increases the risk of side effects.”

Read the full article at https://www.lepoint.fr/sante/antidepresseurs-deux-familles-portent-plainte-apres-le-suicide-de-leurs-fils-19-01-2024-2550189_40.php#11.

Our public health video co-produced with No Shame on U is the 1st–and only–suicide prevention video to include Akathisia as a suicide risk factor. See and share. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r9lcvh90kE&t=4s.

An article in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry Advances finds that Australian children and adolescents are increasingly being prescribed antipsychotics and antidepressants “with little to no evidence that they could treat their symptoms.”

The research, headed by Julie Klau of the University of Adelaide, “reveals that the majority of antipsychotic prescriptions written by general practitioners were for off-label complaints. Additionally, “most of the service users prescribed antipsychotics were also prescribed other psychotropic drugs simultaneously.” Read more at https://www.madinamerica.com/2024/01/antipsychotic-prescriptions-increasing-for-children-and-adolescents-in-australian-primary-care-services/.

As MISSD approaches the end of another incredible year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support that enabled us to achieve remarkable milestones in 2023. We’re excited to continue making a positive difference in the coming year. Our 2024 public health ads will reach Canada, Australia and several new cities across the US. We’ll also be presenting at multiple conferences from DC to Kansas City and points in between.

With the year-end fast approaching, there’s still time to make a tax-deductible donation for 2023. Your support is essential in helping us continue our vital work.

Together, we are increasing awareness of akathisia and related adverse drug effects that can negatively impact mental health and public safety. Once again, thank you for being an integral part of our MISSD family. We can’t wait to embark on another year of progress and change with you by our side.

More than 30 prominent figures in critical psychiatry have published a recent article in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) “calling on the UK government to acknowledge the evidence that antidepressants are no better than placebos for most patients and to increase funding of social and psychological interventions while decreasing drug prescriptions. Following these guidelines can reduce akathisia & related prescribed harm. Read more at https://www.madinamerica.com/2023/12/stop-using-antidepressants-except-for-the-most-severe-depression-experts-say/.

We’re wishing a Happy Hanukkah to all who are celebrating! May your candles burn bright this season.

Fans of the pop singer note her increasing movements, to include fidgeting and rocking back and forth during interviews. The star was forced to take several drugs that are associated with akathisia. Read the full article at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12815805/Britneys-fans-akathisia-psychiatric-condition-say-still.html?fbclid=IwAR3VKu4LfWMtNh49btjgn2KgM8ONraXScKxaRhLQdoto99LksJuWyK0pWsI.

Our latest campaign is focused on helping ensure vets and military personnel receive therapeutic mental health care. Listen to K9s for Veterans founder, Michael Tellerino, and Wendy Dolin discuss this collaboration and the need for akathisia awareness on our recent podcast. See the full release at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/671027397/missd-seeks-support-to-combat-akathisia-and-save-lives and take a sneak peek of our upcoming public health video.

Dear Friends of MISSD,

It’s Giving Tuesday–one of the most significant giving days of the year. Can we count on you to make a tax-deductible contribution to help us reduce suffering and save lives?

Your support enables MISSD to increase akathisia awareness, provide free educational resources, and expand our reach. One example is our latest campaign aimed at helping veterans receive therapeutic care. Our recent press release offers a sneak peek of this upcoming video and a new podcast interview with K9s for Veterans founder Michael Tellerino and me. The informative and profoundly moving stories underscore the importance of our mission. See https://www.einpresswire.com/article/667671324/raising-awareness-of-akathisia-and-suicide-risks-among-veterans. 

If you’ve already made your Giving Tuesday gift, thank you. If you haven’t, please take a minute to join us in making a positive difference for others. Your donations are more than just contributions; they are lifelines that empower us to continue our work. 

With gratitude–Wendy Dolin and the MISSD Team