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A Proposal to Classify Happiness as a Psychiatric Disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

John Harris ,
J. L. T. Birley  and
K. W. M. Fulford
John Harris
Affiliation:
The Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL
J. L. T. Birley
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital, 133 Sydenham Hill, London SE26 6LW
K. W. M. Fulford
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford 0X3 7JX
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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 scientificaly irrelevant.”

Type
The Current Literature
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 162 , Issue 4 , April 1993 , pp. 539 - 542
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1993 

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