Aspirin as a treatment for schizophrenia

Based on research that suggested that inflammation plays a role in schizophrenia (see below), further research has been done to investigate whether aspirin could improve existing anti-psychotic treatment.¹

Seventy patients in total took part in the randomized, placebo-controlled trial. One group of patients received their normal anti-psychotic treatment plus placebo, while the other group received their normal anti-psychotic treatment along with 1000mg of aspirin per day. During a 3-month follow up, patients were assessed according to the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) - a medical scale used for measuring symptom severity of patients with schizophrenia. Researchers also tested the patients' cognitive function and changes in their immune systems.

Patients who took aspirin showed greater improvement in their PANNS scores, and therefore reduced the symptoms of schizophrenia. The reduction was greater in patients who have a more altered immune function. The researchers concluded that inflammation may be a potential new target for antipsychotic drug development.

¹ Laan W et al. Adjuvant aspirin therapy reduces symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 71: 520-7 (2010).
Source