The invention relates to a novel method for treating or reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia, said method comprising administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of a compound able to selectively increase the ion flow through KCNQ potassium channels. Furthermore the invention relates to the use of selective KCNQ potassium channel openers for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating or reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia and related symptoms, disorders and diseases. Furthermore the invention relates to a method of screening for a compound, which is a selective KCNQ potassium channel opener and which is capable of having an anti-psychotic potential.
