Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
Age
12–45
Sex
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
You may be eligible if
1. Diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria.
2. First-episode or illness duration ≤ 10 years, but currently in a non-acute phase of schizophrenia.
3. Negative symptoms present for ≥ 6 months prior to study entry. Patients must be outpatients or hospitalized for social reasons rather than symptom exacerbation.
4. PANSS negative subscale (7 items) total score ≥ 20; at least one negative item score \> 3; no change \> 3 points between screening and baseline. PANSS positive subscale items related to agitation (P4 excitement, P6 suspiciousness/persecution, P7 hostility, G8 uncooperativeness, G14 poor impulse control) each ≤ 4.
5. Currently taking ≤ 2 antipsychotic medications.
6. Antipsychotic regimen remains unchanged during the study period.
7. No anticipated relocation, transportation difficulties, or access problems that would interfere with study participation.
8. Able to understand and comply with study procedures, complete all required tests and examinations, communicate well with the investigator, and voluntarily provide written informed consent
You may not be if
1. Psychiatric symptoms attributable to any other DSM-5 diagnosis besides schizophrenia.
2. History of substance dependence, or psychotic symptoms caused by other medical conditions.
3. Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) total score \> 6.
4. Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) score indicating at least moderate akathisia.
5. Current or past major physical illness, neurological disorder, or traumatic brain injury affecting brain structure/function.
6. Suicidal attempt or current suicidal ideation.
7. Currently receiving antidepressants, mood stabilizers; or use of rTMS, MECT, or systematic psychotherapy within 3 months or for the current episode.
8. Current use of medications that may affect cognitive function, such as Ginkgo biloba extract, minocycline, selegiline.
9. Presence of hepatic or renal insufficiency, severe gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine, or hematologic disorders, or disorders of absorption or metabolism.
