Whether you support our mission with a tax-deductible gift, or by sharing our free resources with colleagues, family and friends, MISSD is grateful to have so many thoughtful people dedicated to saving lives and reducing avoidable harms. See our Constant Contact message and highlights here https://conta.cc/42p3aDG
New VA legislation encourages the use of AI tools to identify veterans at risk of suicide. For these systems to truly protect veterans–and everyone–MISSD believes they must include information about akathisia and medication-induced suicidality. Avoidable deaths can be prevented when the causes, risks and symptoms of akathisia are better understood, recognized and treated.
Read the full article at https://www.military.com/daily-news/investigations-and-features/2025/11/20/lawmakers-va-use-ai-help-prevent-veteran-suicide.html?ESRC=eb_251201.nl.
At Michigan’s State Capitol last week, veterans, clinicians, and caregivers united to advance safer mental health care. Together, we’re raising awareness of medication-induced harms including akathisia and suicide — because every life matters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V38eplKFnTU
Today MISSD honors those who have served as we continue our mission to prevent medication-induced harm and avoidable deaths. In our latest Akathisia Stories episode, veteran Derek Blumke from the Grunt Style Foundation, and MISSD founder, Wendy Dolin, share insights about the need for akathisia training, informed consent, and the current state of mental health care for veterans. Listening to those most affected is a critical step to creating positive change.
🎧 Stream now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfiEKD2ePJ0&t=292s.
Today we honor veterans in action at the Michigan State Capitol with a collaborative event focused on reducing preventable medication harm. The training includes MISSD’s latest akathisia course, a screening of the documentary Medicating Normal, and a panel of experts, clinicians, and veterans whose voices call for safer care and accurate information about real drug risks.
Today there’s a new call for clinical trial participants regarding psychiatric meds and pregnancy. MISSD supports improved data collection and transparent communication to improve patient safety.
The trial may uncover important finidings given that research shows that when taken during pregnancy, SSRIS can be associated with an increased risk of congenital heart defects and that up to 30% of exposed newborns may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. Accurate info can help parents, clinicians, and researchers make better-informed decisions.
Healthcare professionals, consumers, veterans and caregivers in Michigan are invited to join us for a vital training day. Earn CEUs, take our new akathisia course, hear from experts by experience, and help save lives. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veteran-harms-reduction-training-tickets-1765772255349.
A new study comparing depression pill side effects missed a key opportunity to address a misunderstood issue: SSRI withdrawal symptoms are not relapse.
When people stop or switch SSRIs and experience agitation, anxiety, electronic “brain zap” sensations, and/or severe restlessness, these symptoms can signal withdrawal akathisia or SSRI withdrawal syndrome — not a return of depression.
Mislabeling withdrawal as relapse can lead to dangerous prescribing and unnecessary suffering.
Prescribers and consumers deserve clear information about known drug risks. Read the full article at https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/researchers-call-for-update-to-antidepressant-guidelines.
As countries mark World Mental Health Day, MISSD calls on drug regulators to strengthen suicide warnings and clearly communicate that the medication can cause akathisia and other severe side effects.
“People in every country deserve accurate information about medication risks,” said Wendy Dolin, MISSD founder. “Yet warnings are often missing or inconsistent across borders. Greater awareness and transparency can save lives.”
France just became the first nation to add a clear finasteride suicide warning—will the U.S. follow? Read the release at: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/856770655/missd-calls-for-global-action-on-medication-induced-suicide-risks.
France’s national drug authority (ANSM) has updated finasteride labeling to list psychiatric and sexual side effects—including suicidal thoughts that may persist after discontinuation. The move follows an EMA investigation confirming the association between finasteride and suicidal ideation.
Manufacturers must now provide patient alert cards and revised doctor communications.
France has taken a life-saving step, but most countries—including the United States—have not.
Finasteride victims and families have been advocating for years for transparent warnings to help others stay safe and informed. FDA and international regulators should immediately follow France’s lead and prioritize patient safety over systemic silence. Transtlate the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/4ya9e3ba.