[Seven views on mental disorder]

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.

To present and discuss important views on the concept of mental disorder.

Recent relevant literature is discussed, the main emphasis being on philosophical studies of the concept of mental disorder.

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.

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.