🎙️ We’re Baaaack!
MISSD’s Akathisia Stories relaunch kicked off today with a new host spotlighting lived experiences and vital information.

“We couldn’t let the month close without addressing such an essential conversation. By relaunching Akathisia Stories, we honor those lost to akathisia and help prevent future tragedies,” said Wendy Dolin, MISSD founder.

Spread the word—akathisia awareness saves lives. Get the full scoop at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/853918521/missd-amplifies-suicide-prevention-efforts-with-relaunch-of-akathisia-stories-podcast.

A recent Psychology Today article labels SSRI withdrawal symptoms as “nervousness, or “relapse.” It is harmful to suggest that SSRI withdrawal symptoms are simply “nervousness,” “relapse,” or signs of an underlying DSM disorder. Such framing confuses both healthcare consumers and providers.

Equally concerning, articles that omit any mention of withdrawal akathisia—a severe, potentially life-threatening disorder—fail to provide the complete picture.

At MISSD, we believe in truth in disclosure and accurate education. Honest language matters, because accurate understanding can save lives. Article link: https://tinyurl.com/mrhxpta3.

MISSD started International Akathisia Awareness Day (IADD) years ago to reduce suffering & save lives. We’ve made great strides in closing the knowledg gap, but our work won’t be done until there is no longer the need for IAAD. Until then, please see our latest public health video and share our resources. Together, we’re saving lives and reducing harm. Watch below and share our YouTube link at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMRrb3siPWc.

Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day, yet few mental health and suicide prevention nonprofits ever mention the “A” word. Prevention must include medication-induced suicide, especially akathisia—deaths modern medicine still won’t or can’t fully name, but we can prevent.

Increased awareness, education, appropriate diagnosis and treatment-and honest drug trial reporting can help prevent these deaths. Read our press release today at https://www.einpresswire.com/article/848177594/missd-calls-for-immediate-action-on-akathisia-and-suicide.

This September, Suicide Prevention Month, MISSD has a new digital billboard in Chicago—thanks to Wintrust Bank’s incredible support. Their initiative to provide free ad space to nonprofits has given MISSD a platform to educate the public about akathisia, a medication-induced disorder that is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

“Seeing our message on a prominent city billboard is more than visibility—it’s hope,” said MISSD founder Wendy Dolin. “It’s a reminder that awareness saves lives, that accurate diagnosis matters, and that no one should suffer in silence.”

MISSD is deeply grateful to Wintrust and to every supporter who helps us spread this vital message. Together, we can prevent tragedies, spark crucial conversations, and increase awareness among healthcare consumers and professionals.

The truth is clear: GSK concealed Paxil risks and, like other pharma companies, promoted SSRIs off-label — including to kids, despite no FDA approval.

Now a medical journal is considering a retraction of the 2001 “study” it published that falsely said Paxil was safe and effective for adolescents. The data were manipulated, and serious side effects—like suicidal thoughts—were buried.

We can’t change the past, but we can protect the future. Please share MISSD’s resources to help others recognize the warning signs of akathisia and prevent avoidable harm.

The full STAT article is subscription-only, but this knowledge is now (belatedly) well established. See: https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2025/08/25/antidepressant-paxil-gsk-medical-journal-children-adolescents-depression-ghostwriting-retraction/.

MISSD started with one story, one devastating loss, and continues more than a decade later with one critical mission: To save lives.
Today’s episode of Antidepressant Risks features MISSD founder Wendy Dolin’s powerful story of akathisia awareness and safe patient advocacy. Listen to Dolin’s powerful conversation with Katinka Blackford Newman at: https://youtu.be/judm6Ae96u8.

Out-of-character, sudden deaths continue to raise urgent concerns about the mental health side effects of doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic. Teenager Alana Cutland died after taking the drug which was prescribed as an anti-malaria med prior to her univiersity trip to study in Madagascar. Her devastated parents emphasized that while antibiotics play an important role, the severity of adverse effects like suicidal ideation can be virtually undocumented, leaving families shocked and grieving.

Emily Darlington, MP, has called for the Department of Health to review the coroner’s report. A 2019 BMJ case report also noted suicidal thoughts in young people taking doxycycline for skin conditions, highlighting the need for awareness and vigilance.

Akathisia is a medication-induced disorder often associated with medication-induced suicidality and suicide. MISSD believes patient information leaflets should fully inform consumers about suicidality riks — and should specifically list the term, AKATHISIA. Read the full article at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/36005831/alana-cutland-doxycycline-drug-suicide/.

In 2023, the FDA received over 1.4 million reports of adverse drug reactions, many of which involved violence, suicidal thoughts, or actual harm to self and others. This data highlights the critical need for greater transparency, accountability, and vigilance in prescribing and monitoring medications.

MISSD emphasizes the urgency of educating patients and healthcare providers about these risks, ensuring that side effects — particularly those that can lead to harm or violence — are taken seriously, tracked, and prevented whenever possible. Read the full article at: https://www.aol.com/news/fda-adverse-event-data-reveals-194654547.html.

More than 155,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001. Among them were U.S. Marine Corps veteran Hunter Whitley, 23, and U.S. Army veteran Connor Brumfield, 22. Both were prescribed SSRIs by VA practitioners without being warned of the FDA’s “black box” warning: the heightened risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people under 24.

The VA’s Office of Inspector General determined that this failure to provide informed consent likely contributed to their deaths.

Black box warnings exist to protect patients — but only if prescribers take them seriously and communicate them clearly. Veterans, like all patients, have a right to be informed of both the possible benefits and the real risks before starting any medications.

MISSD remains committed to advocating for transparency, clear communication about drug risks, and the safe use of medications to prevent future tragedies. Read the full article at: https://www.madinamerica.com/2025/08/veteran-suicide-prevention-legislation-introduced-that-will-save-lives/.