Suicide prevention hotlines should routinely ask questions about medication use. Neglecting to do so increases the risk of akathisia-induced deaths. Please support this petition asking crisis hotlines to add standard questions about medication use. See https://www.change.org/p/get-suicide-prevention-services-to-ask-callers-if-they-are-taking-meds-that-cause-suicide?recruited_by_id=e65a64ea-a238-4dbc-aa1e-825316043645.
When we think of adverse drug effects that can cause psychiatric side effects, the focus is often on the drug consumer. However, as this recent article about SSRIs and airline pilots notes, akathisia can cause psychiatric side effects that impact public safety and transportation on a large scale. Read more at https://www.madinamerica.com/2024/08/modernizing-airline-antidepressants/
Today we are very pleased to share a new akathisia billboard in Phoenix is raising awareness throughout September 20th, which is International Akathisia Awareness Day. This Arizona campaign is a collaboration with the Ghanat family. Darius Ghanat is an akathisia survivor and advocate who shares his adverse experiences to help others be better informed. Read more at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/738908907/new-arizona-billboard-aims-to-reduce-suicide-by-increasing-akathisia-awareness.
The patient information leaflet for semaglutide includes a warning to watch out for depression and suicidal thoughts. Semaglutide is sold under the brand name Ozempic when it’s prescribed for diabetes and Wegovy when it’s prescribed for weight loss.
Read the full article at https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/20/health/semaglutide-suicide-study-wellness/index.html.
It’s good to see this article mentions suicide as an SSRI side effect, but it would have been a better article if the author would communicate akathisia as a main reasons why.
Read the full article at https://www.moneycontrol.com/health-and-fitness/from-weight-gain-to-suicidal-thoughts-beware-of-these-13-side-effects-of-antidepressants-article-12795779.html
MISSD was founded 11 years ago after Stewart Dolin’s akathisia-induced death on July 15, 2010. Today marks the 14th anniversary of the loss of Stewart, who was a loving husband and father, dedicated professional, and loyal friend to many.
While today our memories of Stewart remain etched in our hearts, we also celebrate the accomplishments MISSD has made to increase akathisia awareness and patient safety. This week we’ve reached thousands of education professionals at the American Association of School Counselors (ASCA) annual conference in Kansas City. Counselors we’ve spoken with are increasingly aware that many medications students are prescribed can cause suicidality, self-harm, and violence. Some counselors were even aware of the medical term, “akathisia” that precipitates these adverse effects.
Thank you for supporting MISSD on our mission to save lives.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among vets under 45.
But many vets sharing their adverse experiences in our latest public health video report these feelings started AFTER they were prescribed multiple medications in lieu of talk therapy. Listen & learn.
Yesterday, Memorial Day, recognized veterans & service to country.
Today our latest public health video recognizes the challenges many veterans face when seeking therapeutic care but are instead harmed by misguided prescribing and akathisia.
Find out more at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/715063406/new-public-health-video-targets-akathisia-induced-suicidality-among-veterans and see and share “Voices of Veterans: The Hidden Dangers of Medication” available below and at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4etol17hmPo.
Our recent ad in Psychotherapy Networker reaches thousands of clinicians to further akathisia awareness. Akathisia 101 is open to ALL and offers 1 CME. Take the course at MISSD.LearnUpon.com.
Akathisia, anxiety, and suicidality induced by weight-loss drug, Ozempic? Psychiatric adverse effects are being reported by people taking Ozempic. One woman who tried to strangle herself had “hypomanic-type symptoms,” said Dr. Shahan Syed, of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “That resulted in [what] could be akathisia, could be restlessness, but subsequently anxiety is the biggest factor that tips us over the edge doing something impulsive, which this patient particularly did.”