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.” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1376114/pdf/jmedeth00282-0040.pdf).
Looking for a picture of a tongue in a cheek…
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Wow. I can’t decide whether the author had a subversive intent or not. This could be read as an indictment of the entire concept of mental illness. It could also be an affirmation of the notion that, in the real world, there is no such thing as a “normal” or “average” anything, which implies that every individual phenomena in the universe must be classified as abnormal including happiness and the desire to be normal.
I notice this is from 20 years ago, Eliot. Has there been much follow-up research and discussion on this topic?
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I was no more certain than Charles about his questions. However, honestly, from a biological point of view, sustained happiness must mean a lack of drive to improve one’s state (or prepare for future changes), which is probably mildly maladaptive (with the exception that happiness might be pleasant in a romantic/sexual partner). But still, um, wow!
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