Comparison of Berberine and Metformin for the Treatment for MS in Schizophrenia Patients

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1. In accordance with criteria set out in the Structured Clinical Interview forDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV )Axis IDisorders, Clinical Version;
• 2)Meet metabolic syndrome based on Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of BloodLipid Abnormality in Chinese Adults(2007);
• 3)Have taken stable dose of the current single antipsychotic drug for at least onemonth;
• 4. Female subjects will be enrolled to participate in the study if they are ofnon-childbearing potential or of child-bearing potential and willing to practiceappropriate birth control methods during the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1)Individuals who refuse to provide informed consent;
• 2)Currently substance abuse or psychiatrically unstable per treating clinician'sjudgment;
• 3)One with significant medical illnesses including uncontrolled hypertension,diabetes, seizure disorder, severe cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, pulmonary, orthyroid diseases also not suitable for this trial;
• 4)Currently on anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant medication including oralsteroids and history of chronic infection (including tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis),malignancy, organ transplantation, blood dyscrasia, central nervous systemdemyelinating disorder, and any other known autoimmune or inflammatory conditionpregnancy or breastfeeding.