A recent UVA article emphasizes that SSRIs are “very safe” and focuses largely on relapse and mild withdrawal. This framing overlooks serious risks, including akathisia.

Rapid or poorly managed tapering increases these risks, particularly without slow, individualized (hyperbolic) dose reductions. Yet these realities are not meaningfully addressed.

MISSD advocates for clear risk communication and patient-centered care. True safety requires:

• Recognition of akathisia during starting, stopping, or dose changes
• Careful, gradual tapering plans
• Education on warning signs such as restlessness, insomnia, terror, and new suicidality

Read the UVA article at: https://news.virginia.edu/content/when-it-safe-stop-taking-antidepressants.