dysphoric

American  

[dis-fawr-ik, -for-] / dɪsˈfɔr ɪk, -ˈfɒr- /

adjective

1. relating to, experiencing, generating, or expressing a state or feeling of dissatisfaction, anxiety, or restlessness.

   The study addresses questions around the pathophysiology of depression, substance abuse, and other dysphoric clinical states.

   Sometimes I actually relish a film that's creepy, dysphoric, or even violent.

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Etymology

Origin of dysphoric

dysphor(ia) ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Explanation

Someone who feels dysphoric is unhappy and full of anxiety. If your friend spends most of his time sighing, moping, and crying, he's probably dysphoric — and you should probably see if he wants to talk. Euphoria is a state of extreme happiness, and dysphoria is the opposite: it’s a negative feeling, especially about life in general. When someone is full of dysphoria, they’re dysphoric: unhappy. Being dysphoric is a lot like being depressed. If you are familiar with the Winnie-the-Pooh stories by A. A. Milne, then you know Eeyore — a dysphoric donkey.

Example Sentences

Mr Williams said he was referred to child and adolescent mental health services, but said it had "dismissed my claims of feeling dysphoric".

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2025

At the same time, other people may use the pill to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder—severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the weeks leading up to your period.

From National Geographic • Jul. 19, 2023

“Having a child would be extremely dysphoric for me,” said Ladner Stroud, 31, in Washington state.

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2022

The reason for it is that "Euphoria," despite its jovial-sounding title, proposes a dysphoric rather than euphoric experience.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2022

I was curious and concerned for his range of dysphoric emotions, even despair, that appeared to pervade his visit and the related writing hours thereafter.

From Washington Post • Oct. 23, 2020