Does one have to have specific mental symptoms to be diagnosed as schizophrenic?

Yes, the diagnosis of schizophrenia is based on certain criteria established by the Diagnostic and statistical Manual of mental Disorders (DSM). The schizophrenia diagnostic test requires that an individual have at least two of the common symptoms of the disorder like delusions, hallucination, disorganized speech, abnormal behaviors or presence of negative symptoms for one month. Moreover, the schizophrenia test must indicate that the individual is significantly impaired and unable to work, attend school of perform daily living tasks. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months.