So does that mean that being unhappy is normal and good? This idea no doubt is from someone that is unhappy and feels that everyone should be as unhappy as they are, that is sick.

Does the stupidity ever end?

If serious, it is stupid. But I suspect it is instead a brilliant satirization of how psychiatrists classify “abnormal” conditions.

@ #1: Interesting question, I would think that it could be said that being unhappy is normal, though I doubt much of a case for it being good could be made.

Happiness in inappropriate situations, or due to cognitive distortions can certainly be considered a problem, or at least an indicator of serious pathology.

As I recall, the argument was really about the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia(s) in DSM-III, suggesting that if the same approach was adopted to the description of happiness (as an anomalous and unrealistic or delusional state of mind in a miserable world), it too would qualify as a mental disorder.

British people have the best mental health around! Hooray!

The paper was satire although was making a serious point about diagnosis. Some context here.

This is a satirical counter-factual.
Tthe trouble with intellectual work: you can’t turn it into a tweet-able sound byte. That’s how we all started talking about “death panels” in poor Zeke Emmanuel’s work (the man is firmly OPPOSED to euthanasia, but was describing counterfactuals).

>>British people have the best mental health around! Hooray!
I’d say they are not the most unhappy ones. What about Zimbabwe? By the way, I just found out that there is such a thing as Gross Domestic Happiness measurement, derived from GDP to measure life quality. OMG, it’s getting serious. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_national_happiness

Described as a disorder, I don’t think this will gel with the public in any way. Described as a pathology perhaps it makes sense. So far as the public goes, it’s simply a categorization of a person’s location on the Gaussian curve.
I linked to this article of yours today in my post. I hope it drives traffic your way.
my post today if you’re interested: http://astronasty.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-way-to-detect-clandestine-nuclear.html
Much Respect!
-DJ Busby

I think disorders are a disorder.

“rofl”? uh huh.

I wish it was real. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Why should happiness be normal, simply because it feels nicer than other emotions? It is still classifiable in this way. Love this. It shows how, conversely, we should not judge those who suffer from sadness as people who are abnormal. It highlights how important it is to recognise that a range of emotions are all normal. Love it! I’m happy! *gets carried away by men in white coats*

This is absolutely valid as a part of a scientific construct.  If a thing is abnormal then it is in fact a disorder.  Happiness is arguably abnormal in today’s society.  If you don’t believe me go talk to human beings face to face with eye contact.  Then report back.  Certainly some people will display symptoms of happiness, but most will not.  If it were normal to be happy then everyone wouldn’t be on drugs.