Final answer:
A syndrome is a group of concurrent symptoms, and if these result in significant life disturbances, it can be considered a disorder. Mental illnesses like Autism Spectrum Disorders and other cognitive conditions can severely impair daily functioning and are detailed in resources like the DSM.
Step-by-step explanation:
A syndrome is a group of physical or mental features (symptoms) that happen concurrently. If this results in a significant disturbance or disability in social, professional, or other essential activities, it can be characterized as a disorder.
People with mental disorders or illnesses experience a wide range of effects that can significantly impact their daily lives. For example, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) represent a group of conditions with varying cognitive and behavioral impairments. Similarly, mental illnesses like schizophrenia and major depression can be so severe that they affect a person's ability to think, feel, and interact with others, making routine tasks challenging.
It is important to recognize the role that one's cultural context can play in understanding and communicating the experience of mental illness through cultural concepts of distress (CCD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a critical resource that outlines the symptoms required for diagnosing various mental disorders, emphasizing that the symptoms and classifications can evolve as new scientific insights emerge.