Are Happy People Crazy?

[Nakosis]

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.

Only crazy people are happy

 

[A Vestigial Mote]

Terrible. Would "treatment" include giving happy people "downer" medications to get them more aligned with "normal?" My vote is, instead, to make sure everyone GETS the disorder. Starting with whoever made this proposal.

 

[savagewind]

Fake news?

 

[Woberts]

Fake news?

I burst out laughing when I saw that.

 

[sandy whitelinger]

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.

Only crazy people are happy

I'm happily crazy.

 

[Rational Agnostic]

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.

Only crazy people are happy

Jesus Christ. Frankly, I think all shrinks have a psychiatric disorder.

 

[Woberts]

Here's the complete article, if anyone's interested:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1376114/pdf/jmedeth00282-0040.pdf

 

[savagewind]

I burst out laughing when I saw that.

My first reaction was, yes, I am.

 

[Twilight Hue]

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.

Only crazy people are happy

Not surprising. Try acting happy in the crowd, people will think you're crazy.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Not surprising. Try acting happy in the crowd, people will think you're crazy.

Unless you roll with a posse of happy people.

 

[sun rise]

When I studied psychology, it seemed to some of us that the ones who most needed treatment were the therapists.

As for me - I'm happily in love with the possibility of joy.

 

[Phantasman]

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.

Only crazy people are happy

Jeffery Dahmer must have been ecstatic.

 

[savagewind]

Jeffery Dahmer must have been ecstatic.

Someone making it all or none again.................................will it EVER stop?

 

[Phantasman]

Someone making it all or none again.................................will it EVER stop?

No it won't. Crazy yet?

 

[savagewind]

No it won't. Crazy yet?

Yes.

 

[allfoak]

Here's the complete article, if anyone's interested:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1376114/pdf/jmedeth00282-0040.pdf

It's old and only a proposal.
It is however, crazy to be happy in a world that knows so little about happiness.

 

[YmirGF]

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.

Only crazy people are happy

Given that the article is from 1992 and it is now 2018, I'm happy to declare this proposal is as dead as dodo. Obviously, it didn't make much impact upon release. Just another cooky proposal that got shredded upon receipt.

It's old and only a proposal.
It is however, crazy to be happy in a world that knows so little about happiness.

It's is my life's mission to infect as many people with happiness as is possible. So far, I've got a better track record than this "proposal".

 

[Revoltingest]

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.

Only crazy people are happy

Fortunately, there is helpful medication.

I've known Dr Alman Wei for many years.
I might be able to get a discount for those interested.

 

[Nous]

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.

Only crazy people are happy

I didn't bother reading the article. Perhaps someone who has done so can address these issues:

(1) Statistical rarity does not mean disorder. Red hair is fairly rare. That doesn't mean it's a disorder.

(2) What are the "cognitive abnormalities" associated with happiness?

(3) What is the basis of the claim that happiness "probably reflects the abnormal functioning of the central nervous system"?

 

[Stevicus]

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.

Only crazy people are happy

Yes, I suppose there might be some truth to this. Imagine you were out shopping one day and saw a group like this:

They seem quite happy.