The Concept of Euthymia

The findings indicate that optimal human functioning can be promoted by well-being therapy leading to a positive evaluation of one’s self, a sense of continued growth and development, the belief that life is purposeful and meaningful, the possession of quality relations with others, the capacity to manage effectively one’s life, a sense of self-determination, and psychological flexibility

Giovanni A. Fava; Per Bech

2015

Scholarcy highlights

  • In the longitudinal course of mood disturbances, no longer meets the threshold of a disorder such as depression or mania, as assessed by categorical methods resulting in diagnostic criteria or by cutoff points in the dimensional measurement of rating scales, he or she is often labeled as euthymic
  • Similar considerations apply to the use of the term euthymia in unipolar depression and dysthymia, where the overlap with the concept of recovery is considerable
  • The definition of euthymia is generally ascribed to Democritus: one is satisfied with what is present and available, taking little heed of people who are envied and admired and observing the lives of those who suffer and yet endure
  • While there have been considerable efforts to quantify and qualify psychological distress, relatively little has been done about assessing the positive components of euthymia
  • The findings indicate that optimal human functioning can be promoted by well-being therapy leading to a positive evaluation of one’s self, a sense of continued growth and development, the belief that life is purposeful and meaningful, the possession of quality relations with others, the capacity to manage effectively one’s life, a sense of self-determination, and psychological flexibility
  • As a construct of positive mental state, euthymia has to capture the items listed, i.e. living autonomously but with deep personal relationships, being cheerful and calm, feeling useful and active, and obtaining restorative sleep

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