A proposal to classifyhappiness as a psychiatric disorder

R P Bentall “A proposal to classify

happiness as a psychiatric disorder” JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS

18, 94-98 (1992). The abstract:

It is proposed that happiness be classified as a psychiatric

disorder and be included in future editions of the major

diagnostic manuals under the new name: major affective

disorder, pleasant type. In a review of the relevant

literature it is shown that happiness is statistically

abnormal, consists of a discrete cluster of symptoms, is

associated with a range of cognitive abnormalities, and

probably reflects the abnormal functioning of the central

nervous system. One possible objection to this proposal

remains–that happiness is not negatively valued.

However, this objection is dismissed as scientifically

irrelevant.

HC Kessler

Henry grew up in The Great American Desert, some of that areas influences are still seen in him today. A writer, graphics manipulator, father, and full time geek, he spends most of his time studying the world around him to make sense of it all. He is currently writing his first novella and hopes to have it released sometime this decade.