This is a one-week, randomized, double blind add-on study of valaciclovir versus placebo in
24 clinical patients with Schizophrenia according to DSM IV, currently experiencing psychosis
as is defined by the positive items of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANNS)
score, being five or higher on one item or four on two items of this scale. Each patient will
be randomized to double blind treatment with either valaciclovir or placebo for one week.
The main objective is to find a pre- and post-valaciclovir treatment difference in
hippocampal inflammation, as measured with positron emission tomography. The secondary
objective is to improve cognition by the supposed anti-inflammatory effect on the hippocampus
of valaciclovir. This is measured by pre- and post-treatment performance on the PANSS, the
attention and memory test.
Both the treatment team and the patient will remain blinded during the course of the study.
Following the active treatment phase, patients will receive treatment as clinically
indicated.