- G Meynen: Faculteit Wijsbegeerte VU, Amsterdam. g.meynen@ph.vu.nl
BACKGROUND: Anyone attempting to devise a system for classifying mental disorders, such as DSM-5, needs to know what is meant by a mental disorder. This matter is also highly relevant for doctors in their daily practice and for persons involved in scientific research.
AIM: To present and discuss important views on the concept of mental disorder.
METHOD: Recent relevant literature is discussed, the main emphasis being on philosophical studies of the concept of mental disorder.
RESULTS: None of the views discussed provides a satisfactory answer to the question of how mental disorder should be defined and demarcated. Each view, however, does contain valuable points and elements that may help to offer a meaningful perspective on mental disorder.
CONCLUSION: Mental disorder is a complex concept. The way in which it is defined and applied has far-reaching consequences. Psychiatry has a duty to define this concept as clearly and accurately as possible.