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.

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[–] 4 points 7 months ago (1 child)

I have half a mind to investigate the document and find the “..debilitating consequences of happiness..”

I wonder if this was written by someone clinically depressed, cynical and angry.

Hmmmm.

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  • [–] 8 points 7 months ago

    Reading throught it, it seems more like a critique of how other disorders are classified. It honestly seems even more applicable today than it probably was in 1992 when it was written.

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