Final answer:
Mental illness is deemed clinically significant when it disrupts daily functioning and quality of life, with symptoms outlined by the DSM. It includes various conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mental illness is considered clinically significant when marked by symptoms that cause impairment or disability, interfere with daily functioning, and significantly affect a person's quality of life. This includes challenges with thinking, mood stability, and social interactions. Mental illnesses can be diverse, ranging from mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, to schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and more. These conditions can be debilitating and may require lifelong management and treatment. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) outlines the specific criteria for diagnosing various mental illnesses.