A recent Psychiatric Times article on medications and suicide prevention, featuring AFSP’s Chief Medical Officer, fails to mention akathisia. Given that akathisia is associated with self-harm, violence, and suicide, and is often made worse due to misdiagnoses and polypharmacy, akathisia should be a part of suicide prevention. Comprehensive suicide prevention must include clear information about akathisia, informed consent, and the need for close monitoring.

AFSP describes its research funding as “private donations,” including support from pharma‑linked foundations and partners, and has disclosed institutional grants from companies such as Otsuka and Pfizer. When suicide‑prevention messaging is partly funded by industry, omitting akathisia undermines fully informed, patient‑centered care. The Psychiatric Times’ opinion piece is here: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/effective-psychiatric-medication-use-suicide-prevention-a-conversation-with-christine-yu-moutier-md.