Systematic Evaluation of Antiviral Medication in Schizophrenia

Inclusion Criteria: * Both genders between the ages of 18-50 years * Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder as defined in DSM-IV * Duration of illness 10 years or less * On a stable dose of an antipsychotic medication for at least a month * Should score 4 or more on at least one of the subscales of PANSS * Positive for HSV1 * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Substance abuse in the last month/dependence 6 months prior to the study * History of, or current medical/neurological illnesses which affects CNS function e.g., epilepsy, head injury with prolonged loss of consciousness * Pregnancy * History of immune disorders, HIV infection or currently receiving immunosuppressants * Subjects on regular antiviral therapy * History of hypersensitivity to Valacyclovir * Mental retardation as defined in DSM-IV