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 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

Notably, losing an hour of daylight can take a toll on people who are susceptible to seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that peaks during the darker winter months.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2024

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