A Proposal To Classify Happiness As A Psychiatric Disorder - Medical Ethics Journal

[JUPITERASC]

Journal of Medical Ethics 1992 Richard P Bentall Liverpool University

QUOTE

AUTHORS 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.

Introduction - Happiness is a phenomenon that has received very little attention from psycho-pathologists, perhaps because it is not normally regarded as a cause for therapeutic concern :smile: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1376114/pdf/jmedeth00282-0040.pdf

[MaeMae]

my favorite random quote ~ from a Barbara Walters interview with Antonio Banderas ~
BW ~ "are you happy?"
AB ~ "happiness is for idiots"

[Anachiel]

Journal of Medical Ethics 1992 Richard P Bentall Liverpool University

QUOTE

AUTHORS 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". ...

ROFLMAO. Oh my heavens! That is too funny.

So, they are either saying that:

1) There really isn't much to be happy about
2) You really should be depressed nowadays considering it all

Or, my favorite;

3) You can't win for losing

What kind of pills do they give for being too happy - depressants?? supressants?? more oppressants?? or, just the daily newspaper??

[amber_dawn]

cool paper! did you read the whole thing? I can't quite decide if it's meant to be satrical, sort of like "a modest proposal" or if it's actually serious. The latter seems doubtful, "anti-happiness" clinics? I think it's sort of pointing out the flaws in the psychiatric system as well as saying it's not normal to be happy all the time. very interesting, thanks for posting!

[Anachiel]

No, it appears they are being "pleasantly serious".

[JUPITERASC]

FDA Approves Depressant Drug For The Annoyingly Cheerful - Made by Pfizer, Despondex is the first drug designed to treat the symptoms of excessive perkiness. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd4tugPM83c :smile: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd4tugPM83c)

ROFLMAO. Oh my heavens! That is too funny.

So, they are either saying that:

1) There really isn't much to be happy about
2) You really should be depressed nowadays considering it all

Or, my favorite;

3) You can't win for losing

What kind of pills do they give for being too happy - depressants?? supressants?? more oppressants?? or, just the daily newspaper??

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd4tugPM83c)

[Anachiel]

Oh my Lord! LOLOL..."now I can waste the night on the couch with my husband watching a show we both don't like..."


and

..."many are using natural means...like a diet of corn syrup and white bread and no exercise..."

classic