“Young men using the hair loss drug finasteride, sold under brand-name Propecia, may be at higher risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts,” a new Boston study finds. Researchers identified 356 reports of suicidality, and almost 3,000 reports of other psychological symptoms among men taking finasteride.

Read the full article at https://www.healthline.com/health-news/researchers-investigate-link-between-hair-loss-drug-and-thoughts-of-suicide#Strong-link-between-drug-and-symptoms

Despite limited evidence of efficacy and mounting safety concerns, “the use of medication from 2 or more psychotropic classes, i.e., polypharmacy, has increased among US youths,” finds a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Polypharmacy increases the risks of serious adverse drug effects, such as akathisia, delirium, and mania, that can cause suicidality.

Get the full story at https://www.madinamerica.com/2020/11/increasing-numbers-children-prescribed-multiple-psychiatric-medications/

Adverse drug effects, suicidality, addiction, and mental well being are just a few topics to be addressed by Wendy Dolin and other experts by experience from 9 to 11 on October 18th. The program is free and more details are available at https://www.time2talkaddiction.org/events.

“The combination of the inner signs, the outer signs, and the cognitive confusion makes this a very profound, underreported side effect.” –Wendy Dolin, MISSD Founder

Listen to The Divorce and Beyond podcast about akathisia, advocacy, and the tragic loss that led to MISSD. https://divorceandbeyond.podbean.com/e/the-episode-that-could-save-your-life-with-the-founder-of-missd-wendy-dolin-on-the-divorce-beyond-podcast-with-susan-guthrie-esq-141/

This show “could save your life or the life of someone you love,” says Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized family law attorney, mediator, and host of the popular podcast, “The Divorce and Beyond.” This morning Guthrie talks with MISSD founder, Wendy Dolin, about akathisia and advocacy. The two-part series will also be available on Spotify, iTunes, and similar channels.

Listen at https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/

A new publication to help people safely withdraw from antidepressants has been published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP). The “Antidepressant Withdrawal” leaflet specifically mentions akathisia and suicidal thoughts as symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal. RCP defines akathisia as “a feeling of inner restlessness and inability to stay still (akathisia).”

MISSD presented at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ (RCP) 2019 International Congress in London. RCP’s then-president said they were developing new akathisia education for its members. MISSD is pleased RCP published the “Antidepressant Withdrawal” leaflet and we hope to soon see RCP’s new akathisia education for prescribers and patients.

To read and share RCP’s Antidepressant Withdrawal leaflet, visit https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/stopping-antidepressants

To view and share MISSD’s RCP presentation, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEu6c6UHUos&t=1144s

“The current labeling information on the drugs “does not provide adequate warnings about these serious risks and harms associated with these medicines,” the F.D.A.’s announcement said.”

Adverse drug effects associated with benzodiazepine includes akathisia.

Read the full story at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/23/health/benzodiazepines-fda-warning.html

A report by Public Health England found prescriptions for drugs marketed as antidepressants have doubled in the last 10 years, and similarly high prescribing rates are likely found in the US.

“Although national guidelines tend to recommend antidepressants primarily for moderate to severe depression, research tells us that millions of people with mild depression, or understandable grief following losses, are being prescribed these drugs,” said Dr. John Read, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of East London.

It’s important to be aware that possible adverse drug effects of SSRIs include ‘suicidality’ (reported by 50%) and difficulties in withdrawing from SSRIs (reported by 59%).

If you are experiencing difficulties withdrawing from SSRIs, and/or are suffering from withdrawal akathisia, check out these online resources run by ‘experts-by-experience’, including www.letstalkwithdrawal (UK) and https://withdrawal.theinnercompass.org (USA).

Read the full article at https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/psychiatry-through-the-looking-glass/202009/is-your-antidepressant-effective-and-safet

It’s Suicide Prevention Month and MISSD again designates today, September 20th, as International Akathisia Awareness Day. Sharing accurate info can save lives.

“Suicide prevention organizations and crisis hotlines can help reduce these avoidable deaths by asking questions about medications and adverse drug effects,” said MISSD founder Wendy Dolin. “Nobody is immune to akathisia.”

Read more at https://wellness.einnews.com/pr_news/526609172/akathisia-awareness-can-reduce-suicide

Whether it’s acne drugs, anxiety drugs, asthma drugs or possible COVID-19 cures, MISSD believes transparency in sharing clinical trial data is necessary to reduce adverse drug effects and related deaths.

Read the full Kaiser Health News article at https://khn.org/news/nih-and-fda-examine-serious-side-effect-that-surfaced-in-covid-vaccine-trial/?utm_campaign=KHN%3A%20Daily%20Health%20Policy%20Report&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=95280749&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZTSOmr_0wNVZFvY8vrjVBkkpxq0mX_zHYe9EYSaAhbUZ2HO-p_r00AxSMfRPBaKOkhNMBnlk1_3L0dYbep2OVM8B_Vw&utm_content=95280749&utm_source=hs_email