Health Updates on Jordan Peterson from Daughter's Social Media Posts
Mikhaila Peterson, the daughter of Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson, has stated in social media posts that her father has a neurological injury she attributes to psychiatric medication and is experiencing symptoms of akathisia. She reported his health has been complicated by other conditions, including a recent diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). She stated she does not plan to provide further public updates on his condition.
Reported Health Conditions and Timeline
According to statements from Mikhaila Peterson:
- She identified her father's condition as a "psych med-induced neurological injury."
- She reported he is experiencing symptoms of akathisia, a condition described by the Cleveland Clinic as involving restlessness and an inability to stay still, which is a known side effect of some psychiatric drugs.
- She stated it has been six years since Jordan Peterson took any psychiatric medications.
- In the summer of 2023, she reported a flare-up of his symptoms, which she attributed to exposure to mold and stress.
- This was followed a month later by a case of pneumonia and sepsis.
- In August 2024, Mikhaila Peterson announced Jordan Peterson had been diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), which she described as an immune system dysfunction triggered by mold exposure in those with a genetic predisposition. At that time, she stated his symptoms were not related to akathisia or medication.
Background and Context
- Jordan Peterson stepped back from public commitments in August 2023. At that time, his daughter cited his need to recover from mold exposure and CIRS symptoms.
- In 2019, Jordan Peterson entered a rehabilitation facility for dependency on benzodiazepine medication.
- Mikhaila Peterson cited several stressors over the past year, including the death of both of his parents, selling his family home, and moving countries.
- Jordan Peterson and his daughter have publicly promoted dietary approaches, including the carnivore diet.
- Jordan Peterson gained public prominence in 2016 for his commentary on Canadian legislation and is the author of the book "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos."
Statements from Mikhaila Peterson
In her social media posts, Mikhaila Peterson made several statements regarding her father's condition and her perspective:
She described akathisia as "the worst thing I've ever seen anyone go through" and characterized the past year as "hell" for the family.
- She claimed neurological injuries from psychiatric medications are "far more common than people know," are frequently misdiagnosed, and can be difficult to treat.
- She called for such injuries to be "considered a national emergency."
- She denied accusations that her father is an addict, stating he quit smoking and drinking decades ago and falls into a category of people prescribed long-term psychiatric medication.
She stated she does not intend to make further health updates due to the stress it causes the family and having "nothing more to say about it until things get better."
- She indicated she plans to focus on raising awareness about psychiatric medication injuries.
- She ended one post by writing, "Prayers are appreciated still."