affective disorder

American  

noun

Psychiatry.

1. any mental disorder, as depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or cyclothymia, in which a major disturbance of feelings or emotions is predominant.

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affective disorder British  

noun

1. any mental disorder, such as depression or mania, that is characterized by abnormal disturbances of mood

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affective disorder Scientific  

/ ə-fĕk′tĭv /

1. See mood disorder

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Example Sentences

The inquest heard that Maria Morris, who worked as a teaching assistant, had bi-polar affective disorder.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025

Mental health professionals have long suggested exercise as one of the best interventions when it comes to fighting depression, anxiety or seasonal affective disorder.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2023

Subsequent studies in humans established connections between carbohydrates and mood, especially in relation to obesity, depression and seasonal affective disorder.

From Salon • Aug. 28, 2023

Recently disclosed documents contradicted Mr. Sneed’s testimony about whether he had been treated by a psychiatrist, and they appeared to show that he had been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder.

From New York Times • May 5, 2023

Some health professionals say they’ve seen an uptick in patients experiencing common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression related to a change in seasons.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2023