Can an Iron-Binding drug plus an antioxidant quiet Schizophrenia's 'Negative' symptoms?

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding a combination of deferiprone (an iron-chelating drug) and N-acetylcysteine (an antioxidant) to standard antipsychotic treatment can reduce the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as apathy, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal. About 80 adults aged 18–55 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder will receive either the active combination or a placebo plus N-acetylcysteine for 36 weeks. Brain scans before and after treatment will help researchers see if the therapy affects iron levels and brain structure.