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

See Examples For:

affective disorder

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

In 2021, The Times spoke to experts about mental health tips to survive the season of less sunlight and seasonal affective disorder with your mental health intact.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 5, 2022