Positive Psychiatry: An Introduction

Abstract

Positive Psychiatry is the application of Positive Psychology principles and tools, which include Positive Psychotherapy, to those with mental disorders or at risk of developing them. The goal of Positive Psychiatry is to understand and promote well-being, through assessments and interventions aimed at enhancing Positive Psychosocial Factors (PPSFs) in that target population. As such, Positive Psychiatry is distinguished from clinical psychiatry by its focus on prevention, mental health promotion, and human flourishing. Key concepts in Positive Psychiatry are character strengths and virtues, positive translation, recovery in mental illness, and resilience. Applications for Positive Psychiatry have been described for schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and for post-traumatic stress disorder. Ongoing efforts are in place to validate positive psychology interventions and positive psychotherapy for a broad population of mental disorders.