Acetylsalicylic acid as an adjuvant therapy for schizophrenia

Background: Findings from both epidemiological and basic research point to the possibility that NSAIDS impede the deterioration in schizophrenia.Methods: To study the efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid we will perform a randomized placebo controlled double- blind add- on trial of 80 inpatients and outpatients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder. Patients will be 1: 1 randomized to either 3 months 1000 mg acetylsalicylic acid per day or 3 months placebo, in addition to their regular antipsychotic treatment. All patients will receive pantoprazole treatment for gastroprotection. The outcomes of this study are 3- month change in psychotic and negative symptom severity, cognitive function, and several immunological parameters.This trial may ( 1) yield a new ( adjuvant) therapy for schizophrenia and ( 2) add to the knowledge on the pathogenesis of this major psychiatric disorder.