title: A proposal to classify happiness as a psychiatric disorder.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology, Liverpool University.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Bentall
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect; D001689:Biological Psychiatry; D003071:Cognition; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D008128:Logic; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012945:Social Values