Final answer:
Typical antipsychotics are used to treat the positive signs of schizophrenia by functioning as dopamine antagonists. These medications are an important part of managing the symptoms but are not a cure. Most patients require lifelong treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Typical antipsychotics are primarily used to treat the positive signs of schizophrenia. These signs include symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, which are thought to be associated with overactive dopamine neurotransmission. Typical antipsychotics, which are also known as neuroleptics, function as dopamine antagonists that block dopamine receptors, thereby reducing psychotic symptoms.
Patients with schizophrenia typically suffer from both positive and negative symptoms. The negative symptoms, such as emotional withdrawal, lack of motivation, and diminished speech or thought, may not respond as well to typical antipsychotics.