Why This Matters
This provocative proposal to classify happiness as a psychiatric disorder challenges traditional perceptions of emotional well-being and raises questions about how mental health diagnoses are defined. If accepted, it could influence future diagnostic criteria, mental health treatment, and societal attitudes toward positive emotions. Understanding the potential pathological aspects of happiness may also impact research on mental health and neurological functioning.
Key Takeaways
- Happiness is proposed to be classified as a psychiatric disorder, reflecting its statistical abnormality.
- The proposal suggests happiness involves cognitive abnormalities linked to central nervous system dysfunction.
- This classification could influence future mental health diagnostics and societal perceptions of positive emotions.
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.
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