We’re pleased to share our full presentation from the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, now available on YouTube.

In this session, we address a critical gap in public and clinical awareness: how akathisia—a serious, medication-induced disorder—is often overlooked and also obscured by misleading language in drug labeling and safety communications.

Pharmaceutical labeling and medical education frequently use terms like “restlessness,” which do not adequately convey the severity of akathisia. This can delay recognition and appropriate response.

Similarly, current FDA warnings on SSRIs state that these medications may “increase” suicidal thinking. However, evidence and patient reports indicate that akathisia-inducing drugs can create suicidal thoughts in some individuals—particularly when akathisia is unrecognized and/or mistreated.

This distinction is not semantic. It is a matter of patient safety. In this presentation, we cover:

• What akathisia is—and how it differs from general anxiety or agitation
• Why current terminology can be misleading
• The connection between akathisia and medication-induced suicidal thoughts
• Practical steps for early recognition and response

▶️ Watch the full presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yhubTwnpz4

For additional education, MISSD offers free online courses, public health videos, and the Akathisia Stories podcast—available to clinicians, patients, and families worldwide.