Racial Disparities in Psychosis Diagnosis and Treatment Access

Strategic Insights -

Research has shown that Black and Latino Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with psychotic disorders compared to White Americans, with ethnoracial disparities in access to second-generation antipsychotics, including long-acting injectables (LAI). A study conducted at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, found that Latino patients were less likely to benefit from LAI risperidone and had higher rates of nonadherence across medication conditions. However, both Black and White patients benefited from LAI in terms of positive symptoms and medication adherence. The study's findings highlight the need for culturally responsive interventions to improve medication adherence and clinical outcomes for minoritized populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Black and Latino Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with psychotic disorders compared to White Americans.
  • There are well-documented ethnoracial disparities in access to second-generation antipsychotics, including long-acting injectables (LAI).
  • Latino patients were less likely to benefit from LAI risperidone and had higher rates of nonadherence across medication conditions.
  • Both Black and White patients benefited from LAI in terms of positive symptoms and medication adherence.
  • The study's findings suggest the need for culturally responsive interventions to improve medication adherence and clinical outcomes for minoritized populations.
  • The study was funded by NIH National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Career Development Award, and Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC.
  • The study was conducted at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

Statistics:

  • 24 Black patients, 34 Latino patients, and 17 White patients participated in the study.
  • Latino patients had higher rates of nonadherence across medication conditions (34% vs. 16% for Black patients and 12% for White patients).
  • 80% of Black and White patients demonstrated improvement in positive symptoms and medication adherence with LAI risperidone.
  • The study's findings highlight the need for greater advocacy and equitable policies to ensure access to LAIs for minoritized populations.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Area of Psychosis Described (Positive Symptoms and Medication Adherence In Response To Oral Versus Long-acting Injectable Risperidone In Black, Latino, and White First-episode Psychosis ...). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 312.
  • Positive Symptoms and Medication Adherence In Response To Oral Versus Long-acting Injectable Risperidone In Black, Latino, and White First-episode Psychosis Patients. Schizophrenia Research, 2025;284:160-166.