February 11, 2019 at 1:40 pm

Global Drug Safety Can Improve Outcomes

Drug safety and accurate adverse reporting can improve patient outcomes across the globe. It is good to see this topic in the news. Visit: https://www.outsourcing-pharma.com/Article/2019/02/11/Icon-introduces-new-drug-safety-reporting-solution
February 6, 2019 at 2:52 pm

Communication is Key to Patient Safety and Adherence

A recent survey finds more than half of patients are not confident in managing their own prescriptions due to inadequate patient education. MISSD supports close patient-doctor communication whenever starting, stopping or changing a drug dosage. See: patientengagementhit.com/news/patient-education-communication-key-for-medication-adherence
Learn more about withdrawal akathisia at missd.learnupon.com
February 1, 2019 at 9:24 am

Research Reports Drug Withdrawal Problems

Consumers and family members should be aware of symptoms of prescription drug withdrawal, to include withdrawal akathisia, whenever stopping certain prescriptions such as SSRIs, a class of drugs commonly labeled as antidepressants.
See: psychiatrictimes.com/couch-crisis/international-antidepressant-withdrawal-crisis-time-act
January 27, 2019 at 12:12 pm

Marine Suicide Rate at 10-Year High

MISSD continues to be concerned about the alarming rate of suicides among veterans. Some explanations refer to combat-related PTSD, long deployments and difficulties adjusting to civilian life after returning home. However, many of these reported deaths are of young Marines who have never been deployed nor seen combat. While this article doesn’t mention prescription drugs, there is growing concern regarding possible adverse drug effects some vets may be suffering. House Bill 4640 was created to explore the relationship between prescription drugs and military suicides.  Unfortunately, no action has been taken on the bill since its introduction in 2016.
MISSD strongly supports further research and funding to help reduce the staggering number of suicides in the military. Vets deserve access to quality care and informed consent regarding a variety of treatment options to include cognitive therapy. More than 20 veteran suicides are reported every day. Action is needed to develop a more comprehensive understanding regarding the causes of these alarming statistics.
January 22, 2019 at 11:15 am

Former President Clinton Addresses Patient Safety Summit

MISSD is pleased to see patient safety at the forefront of public discussion. Former President Clinton and Grammy nominee Belinda Carlisle recently spoke at the World Patient Safety Summit. Carlisle states this cause is close to her heart given she has lost family and friends due to medical errors. More than 200,000 people die every year in U.S. hospitals and 4.8 million worldwide in ways that could have been prevented.
See: www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190120005015/en/President-Clinton-Powerful-Message-Attendees-World-Patient

 

January 17, 2019 at 1:04 pm

Corporate Owners Directed Efforts to Mislead Doctors and Patients about Product Risks

Efforts to mislead doctors and patients about the dangers of Purdue Pharma’s opioid product came from the top, alleges new court filing. See: nytimes.com/2019/01/15/health/sacklers-purdue-oxycontin-opioids.html
January 11, 2019 at 6:15 am

SSRI Akathisia Deaths in the News

Washington’s ABC Channel 7 spotlights adverse drug effects. Drug safety advocates note kids are being given Zoloft for bed wetting, nail biting and test anxiety while many families are not informed about the risks of akathisia-induced death. See: wjla.com/features/7-on-your-side/suicide-risks-prescription-drugs?fbclid=IwAR27ukmt3fJV-of6c2wHCoFG7KcGBVBMYo1R5aPsN5UOg1PkA3YhtGULzzg
January 8, 2019 at 11:42 am

Akathisia Awareness Can Decrease Misdiagnosis

An excellent MedPage Today article by Dr. Christy Huff helps increase public awareness of akathisia as an adverse effect of benzodiazepines. See: kevinmd.com/blog/2018/11/dont-miss-this-adverse-drug-reaction-when-tapering-benzodiazepines.html
December 13, 2018 at 10:30 am

Grief Support Event Promotes Critical Conversations

We had a great turnout at last night’s community event focused on strengthening grief support and reducing avoidable deaths. A special thank you goes out to our event partners, Jewish Child & Family Services and No Shame On U. The panel discussion included Shifra Kolsky, Wendy Dolin, and Cara Levinson and keynote speaker, Michael Fine. Special thanks to our keynote speaker, suicide attempt survivor Michael Fine, and program planners Elizabeth Siegel Cohen, Ruth Fruehauf and Wendy Dolin. Let’s continue these critical conversations to save lives.

December 3, 2018 at 10:34 am

Please Help Increase Akathisia Awareness to Prevent Avoidable Deaths

As we reflect on 2018, we are truly thankful for all the encouragement and support MISSD has received. With your help, we’ve been able to increase awareness, education and knowledge regarding the dangers of medication-induced suicide and akathisia. This year, our organization has continued to make many strides towards reaching the public, including:

  • The creation of our second educational video, targeting first responders and health professionals
  • The development of a Continuing Education Unit (CEU) program for health professionals
  • Transit signage on 100 commuter trains and buses
  • Hosting the Suicide Awareness Initiative with Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS) and No Shame on U
  • Recognition of MISSD’s Founder, Wendy Dolin, who was presented with the International Society for Ethical Psychology & Psychiatry (ISEPP) Humanitarian Award, for increasing awareness of akathisia

We feel as if our work has just begun and we have ambitious visions for the New Year. Please help us reach our goals by making a tax-deductible donation to be used to help MISSD participate in conferences, produce more educational materials and pursue other awareness raising activities.

You can donate through our website or at the following address:
MISSD
P.O. Box 10107
Chicago, IL 60610

Together we can prevent the unnecessary loss of life. Warm holiday wishes and may the coming year be happy and healthy for you and yours.
~The MISSD Team