1. omnibrain
  2. Only crazy people are happy

Only crazy people are happy

By omnibrain on November 30, 2010.

This guy has a very good point:

J Med Ethics. 1992 Jun;18(2):94-8.
A proposal to classify happiness as a psychiatric disorder.

Bentall RP.

Department of Clinical Psychology, Liverpool University.
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.

PMID: 1619629

Somehow I highly doubt he's going to get much traction on this...
Although these people *do* seem batshit crazy to me.
i-da077f36a440f2b9a6e7a089eecc20cf-happy.jpg

Tags
mental health
psychiatry
Psychology

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While I agree with you that 5 out of every 9 happy people are female, I'm not sure I agree with this addition to the DSM.

For one thing, it would just add on to bad advice given by scientists, which I have recently documented in the case of studies suggesting that alcohol cures disease.

So in this case, consider the logic:

(1) Disorders are to be avoided
(2) Happiness is a disorder

The natural conclusion is: Avoid happiness! But surely that is bad advice to our youth, who already live in an age of angst.

I get that the "pleasant" term is supposed to mitigate, but really? To be a disorder something has to be somehow distressing in a person's life!

Cheers,
NS