The onset of schizophrenia can occur suddenly or take several months/years to fully develop into the disorder. When the latter occurs, a person often proceeds through the following phases (in order)

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The prodromal phase is the earliest stage of schizophrenia, characterized by the presence of mild symptoms such as social withdrawal, decreased motivation, and mild perceptual disturbances. The acute phase is the stage where the person experiences full-blown positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. The residual phase is the period following an active episode where the person experiences a decrease in positive symptoms but may still exhibit negative symptoms such as apathy and lack of motivation. This sequence follows a logical progression of symptoms in chronological order.

The Onset of Schizophrenia Can Occur Suddenly or Take Several