The concept of cosmetic psychiatry unnecessarily risks polarizing mental health treatment. Traditional psychiatric practice focuses on treating illness, while cosmetic psychiatry aims to enhance well-being in “healthy” individuals. This distinction is problematic and stigmatizing, as life enhancement should be accessible to everyone. Eudaimonic psychiatry, which focuses on fostering human flourishing and fulfillment beyond simply addressing mental illness, could serve as a solution. Moving toward this paradigm could help reduce stigma and offer a broader, more humanistic approach.
BhugraDVentriglioAKuzmanMR, et al.EPA guidance on the role and responsibilities of psychiatrists. Eur Psychiatry2015; 30: 417–422.
5.
MaslowAH. A theory of human motivation. Psychol Rev1943; 50: 370–396.
6.
RyanRMDeciEL. On happiness and human potentials: a review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annu Rev Psychol2001; 52: 141–166.
7.
DeciELRyanRM. The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychol Inq2000; 11: 227–268.
8.
StegerMFFrazierPOishiS, et al.The Meaning in Life Questionnaire: assessing the presence of and search for meaning in life. J Counsel Psychol2006; 53: 80–93.
9.
SuetaniS. Will Rogers phenomenon and cosmetic psychiatry. Australas Psychiatry2024; 33: 10398562241285527.
10.
GhaemiSN. The rise and fall of the biopsychosocial model. Int J Psychiatr Med2009; 39: 277–297.
11.
World Health Organization. Constitution of the World Health Organization. Geneva: WHO, 1946.
12.
JesteDVPalmerBWRettewDC, et al.Positive psychiatry: its time has come. J Clin Psychiatry2015; 76(6): 675–683.
13.
DeciELRyanRM. Hedonia, eudaimonia, and well-being: an introduction. J Happiness Stud2008; 9: 1–11.
14.
RyffCD. Contributions of eudaimonic well-being to mental health practice. Ment Health Soc Inclusion2023; 27: 276–293.
15.
RyffCDSingerBH. Know thyself and become what you are: a eudaimonic approach to psychological well-being. J Happiness Stud2008; 9: 13–39.
16.
WeightmanMJAmosAJ. Bioethical implications of cosmetic psychiatry: Distributive justice versus utilitarianism. Australasian Psychiatry2024; 32(5): 477. doi: 10.1177/10398562241264422.