How normal is normal?

摘要

We read with great interest in The Pharmaceutical Journal (23 February 2012, p236) about the controversy over the proposed changes to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). As pharmacists currently undertaking research in the field of mental health, we have come to understand that "normal" mental health is representative of an individual who is socially accepted by others, with a stable and robust emotional and psychological well-being. If there are to be no specific exclusions for normal emotions such as bereavement in the new DSM-5 then what is normal?