Final answer:
Schizophrenia symptoms usually present in three phases: the prodromal phase with vague early symptoms, the active phase with hallucinations and delusions, and the residual phase with diminished symptoms. Antipsychotic medications are used to manage these symptoms over a person's lifetime.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three phases of schizophrenia that symptoms usually present in are known as the prodromal phase, the active phase, and the residual phase. Initially, in the prodromal phase, early symptoms present as changes in thinking, feeling, and behavior that are often vague and difficult to diagnose. The active phase is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and significant impairments in functioning. Lastly, the residual phase can involve symptoms similar to the prodromal phase, with less emphasis on the more severe symptoms experienced during the active phase.
Treatment for schizophrenia typically requires the use of antipsychotic medications. These medications aim to reduce dopamine neurotransmission to alleviate symptoms, although they are not a cure and long-term medication is often necessary. During treatment, the emphasis is on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, as individuals may still experience periods of exacerbation and remission throughout their lives.