Common Acne Treatment Linked to Lower Schizophrenia Risk in New Study
Berlin, Germany – A widely used antibiotic, doxycycline, commonly prescribed for acne and infections, may offer a surprising protective effect against schizophrenia, according to a new observational study. Researchers found that young patients treated with doxycycline exhibited 30-35% fewer cases of the mental illness compared to those receiving other antibiotics.
The findings, recently highlighted by DocCheck News, suggest doxycycline’s anti-inflammatory properties could play a role in mitigating the development of schizophrenia. Previous research indicates the drug impacts inflammation in the brain and influences synaptic pruning – the process where the brain eliminates unneeded neuronal connections.Excessive synaptic pruning has been linked to schizophrenia.
“As the study was observational and not a randomized controlled trial, we cannot make definitive statements about the cause,” explained Professor Ian Kelleher, the study’s lead researcher, in a statement. “However, this is an crucial indication to further investigate the protective effect of doxycycline and other anti-inflammatory approaches.”
The researchers believe the observed correlation is likely tied to doxycycline’s frequent use in treating acne among generally healthy young individuals. They accounted for potential hidden differences between patient groups during their analysis. Currently, no established methods exist to specifically reduce schizophrenia risk in young people experiencing mental health challenges.
The study underscores a potential new avenue for research into preventative strategies for schizophrenia, a serious mental illness affecting millions worldwide. Doxycycline is primarily used against infections and acne.
