Canadian psychologist and bestselling author Jordan Peterson is facing another brutal health battle, according to emotional updates from his family that have sparked concern among his millions of supporters online.
The latest reports surrounding Peterson’s diagnosis reveal that the 63-year-old is suffering from akathisia tied to what his daughter, Mikhaila Peterson, described as a “psych med-induced neurological injury.”
Peterson’s wife, Tammy Peterson, described his condition in heartbreaking terms during a recent interview, saying he feels like he is living in “another realm of pain” while struggling through lingering neurological symptoms. Tammy also said his mornings are “brutally painful and discouraging.”
According to Mikhaila Peterson, the conservative commentator’s health sharply deteriorated last summer after what the family believes was a flare-up connected to chronic inflammatory response syndrome, or CIRS, which she said may have been triggered by mold exposure and stress. His condition later worsened after a battle with pneumonia and sepsis.
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“We figured out that dad has a psych med induced neurological injury, and has been suffering from akathisia,” Mikhaila wrote in a social media update while sharing a lengthy video discussing her father’s condition.
Akathisia is a neurological movement disorder that can cause severe inner restlessness, agitation, and an inability to sit still. Medical experts say the condition is often linked to psychiatric medications and benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Peterson has spoken publicly for years about his difficult withdrawal from the anti-anxiety medication Klonopin, which he began taking while his wife battled kidney cancer in 2019. He previously sought treatment overseas after struggling with benzodiazepine dependence.
The Canadian academic rose to international prominence after criticizing Canada’s Bill C-16 in 2016 before building a massive global audience through bestselling books, lectures, podcasts, and political commentary.
Tammy Peterson said her husband misses weighing in on politics and cultural issues publicly, but there are currently no plans for a return to regular public appearances as he continues battling the condition.
