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.

---

affective disorder British  

noun

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

---

affective disorder Scientific  

/ ə-fĕk′tĭv /

1. See mood disorder

---

Example Sentences

The 27-year-old data scientist struggles with seasonal affective disorder, meaning January can be tough, but she has found ways to counter it.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2026

Lemonaid began treating seasonal affective disorder last winter for $95 a month.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 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