Beyond stigma: reframing antipsychotics as medical treatment

Antipsychotic non-adherence, driven partly by stigma, worsens outcomes in severe mental illness. Beyond ameliorating psychosis, evidence shows sustained antipsychotic treatment reduces mortality, cardiovascular risk, suicide, inflammation and cognitive decline, while improving quality of life. Reframing antipsychotics as essential medical care may reduce stigma and improve engagement with patients and clinicians.