The US Department of Veterans Affairs’ electronic health records system is putting veterans at risk of medication errors, according to testimony at a recent hearing. This finding is particularly troublesome given that many vets are prescribed SSRIs and other drugs that can cause akathisia-induced self harm, violence, and suicide. The risk of suffering akathisia is increased when medication dosage is changed and/or discontinued.
“At least one veteran wasn’t given critical medication they were prescribed because their records were incorrect, and the VA has not adequately notified patients their prescription records may be wrong,” the watchdog said. Another veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder who wasn’t given the medication needed developed worsening symptoms over 5 days “and had to be transferred to a local emergency room for care, according to the testimony.”
Family members of loved ones who died akathisa-induced deaths share their experiences on our Akathisia Stories podcast so that others can be safer and better informed. Kristina, who lost her daughter, Natalie, 11 years ago today, discusses the symptoms of akathisia that were missed, the importance of informed consent prior to prescribing, and the FDA Black Box suicide warning everyone should know, but few are ever told.
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.”
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.”
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/.
