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R P Bentall R P Bentall ^1Department of Clinical Psychology, Liverpool University. Find articles by R P Bentall ^1 * Author information * Copyright and License information ^1Department of Clinical Psychology, Liverpool University. PMC Copyright notice PMCID: PMC1376114 PMID: 1619629 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. 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