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.