MISSD releases video warning about akathisia and medication-induced suicide risk

The Medication-Induced Suicide Prevention and Education Foundation in Memory of Stewart Dolin has released a new public health video aimed at raising awareness of akathisia, a medication-induced disorder linked to serious psychiatric adverse effects. MISSD says the campaign is meant to help healthcare professionals, consumers, and caregivers recognize the condition earlier and reduce avoidable harm.

Why it matters: - Akathisia is a medication-induced disorder marked by intense inner restlessness, agitation, and an inability to remain still. - The condition has been associated in some cases with self-harm, violence, suicidal thoughts, and suicide. - MISSD says better recognition could help prevent misdiagnosis and reduce avoidable suffering.

What happened: - The Medication-Induced Suicide Prevention and Education Foundation in Memory of Stewart Dolin announced the release of a new public health video, “Let’s Call It What It Is: Akathisia.” - The video is designed to raise awareness of akathisia, which the foundation describes as an often-overlooked medication-induced disorder. - The release came after Mental Health Awareness Month, when suicide prevention and mental health were already part of broader public discussion.

The details: - The video uses the format of a pharmaceutical commercial, then names akathisia during the section usually reserved for adverse effects. - MISSD says hundreds of commonly prescribed medications have been linked to akathisia, including certain antidepressants, asthma medications, acne treatments, stimulants, and anti-nausea drugs. - Wendy Dolin, founder of MISSD, said many people do not hear the word akathisia until it affects them or someone they love. - Dolin said people experiencing akathisia are frequently misdiagnosed or misunderstood. - Dolin also said suicide prevention must include informed discussion of all potential contributors to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. - MISSD said public awareness campaigns often overlook medication-induced psychiatric adverse effects, including akathisia, agitation, emotional blunting, and behavioral changes. - MISSD wants healthcare professionals, consumers, and caregivers to learn the signs of akathisia and other medication-induced disorders.

Between the lines: - The campaign appears aimed at reframing akathisia as a concrete medication-related safety issue rather than a vague mental health complaint. - By borrowing the look of a drug commercial, MISSD is trying to make the warning familiar and harder to ignore. - The focus on misdiagnosis suggests the foundation sees delayed recognition as part of the harm. - Dolin’s comments reflect a broader argument that suicide prevention efforts should account for medication side effects more explicitly.

What’s next: - MISSD is promoting the video alongside free education resources, including two online courses. - “Akathisia 101” is a one-hour introductory course covering what akathisia is, how it presents, which medications may trigger it, and why awareness matters. - MISSD says “Akathisia 101” is approved for continuing education credit through the National Association of Social Workers. - “Addressing Challenges and Misinformation About Akathisia” is a one-hour practical course on causes, risks, warning signs, and responses to medication-induced akathisia. - MISSD says the second course is intended for healthcare professionals, consumers, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the condition. - The foundation is also encouraging nonprofits to share its educational resources, including videos, podcasts, and courses. - More information is available through MISSD’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, TikTok account, and X account.

The bottom line: - MISSD is pushing akathisia into the public conversation as a medication-related risk that can be serious, overlooked, and potentially preventable.