Anti-inflammatories and Adolescent Schizophrenia

Effect of Anti-inflammatory Treatments on the Symptoms, Cognition, and Functioning of Adolescents With Schizophrenia

A double-blind controlled trial assessing the efficacy of anti-inflammatories on symptoms and cognition of adolescents with schizophrenia

Patients will be evaluated to confirm the diagnosis of schizophrenia, duration of the disease and record a history of atopic diseases or recurrent infections throughout life. The PANSS, PSP, and MCCB battery scales will be administered. A blood sample will be taken for the determination of markers of inflammation before the start of pharmacological treatment.

Patients will start the antipsychotic medication assigned by their treating physician. They will also be assigned randomly to the treatment arm. The study drug will be provided by the research team under the presentation of capsules containing Celecoxib 200 mg, Minocycline 100 mg or Placebo, and patients will be instructed to take one capsule every 12 hrs daily.

The patient will be reassessed with PANSS, PSP, and MCCB after completing 6 weeks of pharmacological treatment, type and dose of medication will be recorded and serum markers of inflammation will be determined again.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder.
• Patients in their first psychotic episode or previously diagnosed
• No specific pharmacological treatment (antipsychotic at therapeutic doses in regular doses) in the previous two weeks.
• Have a responsible parent or guardian.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active infection

  • Chronic somatic diseases, including autoimmune diseases
  • Comorbidity with anorexia, substance use disorders
  • Pregnancy
  • Use of anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics