During her work in the school counseling field, Beverley Thomson said she “noticed the language being used by both teachers and parents was changing and rather than asking what was happening with or to a child we were starting to ask what was wrong with a child.” This led Beverely to research issues surrounding DSM-related labeling and the adverse effects of psychiatric drugs in both children and adults.

Tune in to this excellent podcast and learn more at https://www.madinamerica.com/2022/08/beverley-thomson-antidepressed-antidepressant-harm-and-dependence/.

Once you’ve suffered akathisia, you’re at increased risk of developing it again. Janet and her late husband, Joe, were never informed of SRRI-induced akathisia. Joe died never knowing the term “akathisia,” despite having twice suffered it. Listen to Janet’s informative story of akathisia loss and increased awareness at https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/episode-7-janet-schiel/id1468978990?i=1000487265341.

Akathisia awareness and education are cornerstones of MISSD’s mission. While public health advertisements can help people be safer and better informed, it’s disappointing that Vanda Pharmaceuticals’ ad promotes their schizophrenia products and fails to mention that akathisia can be caused by hundreds of different drugs prescribed for non-mental health-related issues. Akathisia is a drug-induced disorder unrelated to schizophrenia and other DSM labels. See https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/aka-what-vanda-looks-to-enlighten-tv-viewers-schizophrenia-drug-side-effect-new-awareness

This often happens when akathisia is missed or misdiagnosed: Doctors “may mistake adverse drug effects from the prescription as signs of diseases instead. Therefore, rather than stopping the medication, another prescription is added to the regimen, leading to a polypharmacy cascade.”

Read the full article at https://www.theepochtimes.com/when-prescriptions-harm-you_4639067.html?utm_source=Health&utm_campaign=health-2022-08-06&utm_medium=email&est=DVXIP5lSJTBzxo5gYw1NPNYwWIMfx4HvaI9dubkXrRTTZRg5mhNGd2lAs577SQ%3D%3D

Mental health advocates are concerned about the potential pitfalls of the new 988 hotline, which include learning to “separate mental health crisis responses from law enforcement.” MISSD notes that 988 call center staff should also be trained to inquire about prescription drugs and adverse drug effects that can cause suicidality.

Read the full article at https://www.northjersey.com/story/life/community/2022/08/04/988-suicide-hotline-national-mental-health-activists-issues/65379567007/

Today is a day to remember our loved ones whose deaths were precipitated by adverse drug effects and raise awareness so that others can be safer. See https://www.einpresswire.com/article/582495674/prescribed-harm-awareness-day-can-save-lives?r=paF4gJzs73xlBWKXuJ

In our latest episode of Akathisia Stories, Denise Collins eloquently discusses the out-of-character death of her husband, John, who died nine days after he was simultaneously prescribed an SSRI and sleeping pill by phone. Listen at https://www.studiocchicago.com/akathisia-stories.

Hats off to the Ireland-based Stephen’s Voice for this weekend’s successful Prescribed Harm Awareness walks held in several countries, including Ireland, England, Wales, South Africa, America, and Australia. MISSD and Stephen’s Voice share the common goal of increasing akathisia awareness and education.

The charity was founded after Stephen O’Neill died an akathisia-induced death in 2016. Stephen was prescribed sertraline, which is marketed in the US as Zoloft. See https://www.facebook.com/stephenoneillsvoice

Researchers at University College London have found that the widespread use of antidepressants is “not grounded in science” because depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance.

“The marketing of SSRIs, including Prozac in the 1980s, popularised the idea that depression was caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, although few experts now agree. Professor Joanna Moncrieff, a consultant psychiatrist who led the study, said this “false belief” had driven a dramatic increase in the prescription of SSRIs since the 1990s.”

SSRIs pose serious adverse drug effects, including akathisia which can lead to medication-induced suicide. Read the full article at https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/low-serotonin-causing-your-depression-james-davies-says-it-may-be-your-life-instead-ntwhkd2gk

Let’s hope the new suicide prevention hotline has properly trained counselors who ask questions about prescription drug use and adverse drug effects that can cause akathisia and suicidality.

Read the full article at https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/07/15/1111316589/988-suicide-hotline-number?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Daily%20Health%20Policy%20Report&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=219943876&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–_sUXk98B63x90gQBVmEkuX6Dp2Qm-sGG3zjZNZlu_lt0tf3MFE9l7WxsIpZH2txZgsOieRJ5bUGDgA1JQxi3jaY2kLg&utm_content=219943876&utm_source=hs_email