In discussing the inappropriateness of the term 'mental illness,' the book identifies the scientific criteria and linguistic conventions used for deciding what constitutes bodily disease, and then it demonstrates the metaphorical character of the terms used for 'diseases' that affect the mind rather than the brain. After laying the basis for clear distinctions among bodily illness, the sick role, personal problems, crime, punishment, and treatment, the discussion addresses actual situations in which the concepts of 'mental health' and 'mental illness' now influence personal conduct and social policies. Specifically, the practical uses of the concept of 'mental illness' are classified as strategy, as justification, as legal fiction, and as explanation. Overall, the enterprise derived from the concept of 'mental illness' is compared with a religious enterprise which requires belief in certain concepts phrased in certain ways based on consensus or authoritative pronouncements, but without sufficient empirical analysis to justify the faith placed in it. Chapter references and 166-item bibliography.