MISSD

06/01/2026

🎙️ NEW AKATHISIA STORIES EPISODE
Brandon Lawes shares his experience with medication-induced akathisia following a prescription for Ativan, including years of misdiagnosis, severe neurological symptoms, and the struggle to have drug-induced injury recognized.

In this episode, Brandon discusses:
▪️ Akathisia and benzodiazepines
▪️ Drug-gene interactions (CYP450)
▪️ Misdiagnosis and medical gaslighting
▪️ Patient advocacy and informed consent
▪️ Preventing medication-induced su***de, self-harm, and violence

Brandon's story is a powerful reminder that akathisia remains one of the most underrecognized medication-induced neuropsychiatric disorders.
🎧 Listen now and share to help raise awareness.

Akathisia, Metabolism, and Misdiagnosis: Brandon’s StoryIndepend...

05/29/2026

A compelling new article highlights what many have been raising concerns about for years: the “serotonin myth” presented by pharma marketing as settled science, contributing to widespread antidepressant prescribing.

With 1 in 7 Australians now taking these medications—and growing numbers of long-term users—the consequences of treating complex human distress without accurate risk information are becoming clearer. Key points reflected in the article:

The chemical imbalance theory is not supported by evidence.

Overprescribing, particularly in time-limited settings, is a concern.

Safe deprescribing and access to non-drug supports are urgently needed.

Withdrawal problems (and withdrawal akathisia) can be difficult and is not rare.

MISSD recognizes that medications can help some individuals, but patients deserve clear, complete information about potential risks—before starting, changing, or stopping treatment.

Australia’s soaring antidepressant use is forcing an overdue reckoning with the serotonin myth, overprescribing and the medicalisation of ordinary human distress.

05/28/2026

Poor access to therapy and mental health support is leading to more antidepressant prescribing—but too many patients are never warned about serious adverse effects including akathisia and withdrawal difficulties.

Symptoms are often mistaken for worsening anxiety or depression, leading to more medication or increased doses instead of accurate recognition.

Patients and families deserve honest risk info and non-drug options for safer care.

Experts claim that a lack of NHS resources in poorer parts of the country mean that, increasingly, GPs are relying on antidepressants to treat patients.

05/25/2026

💔 Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the 21-year-old Norwich student who tragically took his own life after experiencing severe side effects from hair loss pills.

Cases like this highlight a critical but often overlooked issue: certain medications, including those prescribed for hair loss (such as finasteride), have been associated with akathisia — a med-induced disorder that can drive suicidal thoughts and actions. France recently strengthened warnings on finasteride for exactly these psychiatric risks.

Healthcare consumers and providers need to know about med-induced self-harm, violence, and suicidality. Our free resources and courses on akathisia are available to everyone.

Read the full story here:

Oliver Fawkes, 21 and a Master's student at the University of East Anglia, took his own life after hair loss tablets triggered suicidal thoughts.

05/18/2026

"I was begging for help; They just gave me more drugs.
I was told that I would have to be on it (Zoloft) for life." -Stacey, prescribed sertraline at age 18

Change.org Petitionhttps://www.change.org/p/require-black-box-warnings-to-explicitly-name-and-describe-akathisiaSee Stacey's Full episode here https://youtu....

05/14/2026

MISSD believes transparency in clinical drug trials and clearly communicating risks is paramount to patient safety. We also believe su***de prevention articles should include adverse drug effects that can cause su***de. It's unfortunate to see this recent Psychiatric Times piece on meds and su***de prevention leaves out a critical risk: akathisia.

The article is co-authored by the chief medical officer of AFSP. AFSP -- the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention takes Big Pharma money from the very companies that profit from the sale of meds associated with akathisia.

It's wrong to omit akathisia info and/or downplay risks because lives can be saved when akathisia is recognized early.

Real akathisia education: MISSD.LearnUpon.co/catalog
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/effective-psychiatric-medication-use-su***de-prevention-a-conversation-with-christine-yu-moutier-md

How antidepressant myths can raise su***de risk—and what evidence-based prescribing, tapering, and crisis supports really look like.

05/12/2026

New SSRI prescribing guidelines mark an important step forward. Emphasis on safer tapering, informed consent, whole-person care, and regular review reflects what patients and families have reported for years.

Greater awareness of akathisia and related adverse drug effects that can cause suicidality and su***de is critical for prevention and early intervention.

A major shift in depression care could affect millions of patients.

05/07/2026

A new review of ketamine trials reports rapid reductions in suicidal and depressive symptoms for some patients—but also highlights limitations like small study sizes, unblinding, expectancy bias, and limited long-term safety data.

These challenges aren’t unique to ketamine. They reflect broader gaps in how drug trials report both benefits and harms.

One key question deserves more attention:
Are medication-induced conditions like akathisia being clearly identified in clinical trials?

MISSD calls for greater transparency in clinical drug research and better recognition of adverse effects.

Experts express concerns about unblinding effects in randomized trials

05/04/2026

Her symptoms were repeatedly misdiagnosed, leading to additional medications that worsened her condition.

Stacey’s Haza's akathisia story underscores the need for clearer warnings and accurate risk information.

▶️ Listen to the full podcast: tinyurl.com/y67cbpr4
📣 Take action - Sign Stacey’s petition for clearer drug warnings:
tinyurl.com/ack95w3r
🎓 Learn more with MISSD’s free courses: https://missd.learnupon.com/catalog

05/01/2026

MISSD is calling for clearer drug risk disclosure and greater clinical awareness following renewed media attention to akathisia.

As akathisia survivor Stacey Haza shared on our latest Akathisia Stories podcast:
“One of the things you hear over and over is, ‘I wish someone had told me—I wish I had known.’”

Listen to Akathisia Stories, see today's press release, and check out our free 1 hour courses.

Recent media coverage of akathisia brings renewed focus to this medication-induced disorder as advocates call for improved disclosure and patient safety