The "midlife crisis"

Now, when you see the term "midlife crisis" what comes to mind? Is it a valid term? Is it an American phenomenon? What is it?
Most probably you think it is something that happens to men. They lose weight, start dressing hipper, get the sports car and think they are just so cool!
There is no mental health diagnosis for this although maybe the collaborators of the DSM (bible of diagnosis for mental health providers) need to look at this.
The phenomenon happens between the ages of 30 something and late 50s. It is mostly men although I have had male clients who describe the same happening to their wives. Is it hormonal/physical? Sometimes an illness or physical sexual issues/problems preceded this. Some individuals , once a history is taken come from a dysfunctional family of origin. Maybe there was alcoholism or parental infidelity. Not everyone has a midlife crisis but when someone has one it is disruptive not only to the person but to the spouse, children and extended family. As a mental health provider, I can most accurately describe the behavior as "psychotic" or a loss of contact from reality. Many "victims" and I mean the person married/involved with the person having the midlife crisis, come to treatment. Usually the "midlifer" has projected their own negative emotions to the "victim". The midlifer communicates to the victim that they are at fault. "If only you ______________" You can fill in the blank.
If only you were home more, cooked more, cooked less. Folks, doesn't matter what you did, it was wrong. Again,not totally male phenomenon but mostly,there are women out there having the "midlife crisis". If your partner is going though this, don't isolate yourself. Talk to your friends, therapist and trust me, it is not your fault.