seasonal affective disorder

American  

noun

1. recurrent winter depression characterized by oversleeping, overeating, and irritability, and relieved by the arrival of spring or by light therapy. SAD

---

seasonal affective disorder British  

noun

1. SAD. a state of depression sometimes experienced by people in winter, thought to be related to lack of sunlight

---

seasonal affective disorder Scientific  

/ sē′zə-nəl /

1. A mood disorder that occurs during seasons when exposure to sunlight is limited, characterized by symptoms of depression.

---

Etymology

Origin of seasonal affective disorder

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

seasonal affective disorder

The first theory traces back to the same underlying factor that causes the stock market to perform poorly in September: a big uptick in seasonal affective disorder.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026

“One of the suspected causes of seasonal affective disorder is decreased serotonin production due to lowered exposure to sunlight,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2024

It can be used to treat a seasonal affective disorder.

From BBC ● May 28, 2024

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

Related Words

• depression
• seasonal depression