TY - JOUR T1 - A proposal to classify happiness as a psychiatric disorder. JF - Journal of Medical Ethics JO - J Med Ethics SP - 94 LP - 98 DO - 10.1136/jme.18.2.94 VL - 18 IS - 2 AU - R P Bentall Y1 - 1992/06/01 UR - http://jme.bmj.com/content/18/2/94.abstract N2 - 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. ER -