Final answer:
Under the Baker Act, mental illness includes conditions such as schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder. Autism, learning disabilities, and substance abuse are distinct from mental illnesses classified for this purpose, while eating disorders are considered mental illnesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The definition of "mental illness" under the Baker Act includes a range of nervous system disorders that can significantly impact an individual's thinking, mood, and ability to interact with others. Conditions such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are among the types of mental disorders recognized. These disorders are severe enough to reduce a person's quality of life and interfere with daily activities, affecting approximately 12.5 million Americans. While disorders like autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are recognized by the US government, they are distinct from mental illnesses as classified by the Baker Act.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, details the symptoms necessary for diagnosing various mental disorders, with changes in symptoms and classifications as new research emerges. Substance use disorders, as found in the DSM-5 criteria, include addictive behaviors towards drugs and are distinct from other neurological or developmental conditions. Therefore, for the purpose of the Baker Act, the correct answer regarding what is included in the definition of "mental illness" is d. Eating Disorders.