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

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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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of seasonal affective disorder

First recorded in 1980–85

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

“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

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

In designing the globes, he applied techniques he had explored in dealing with seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression associated with shorter periods of seasonal daylight.

From New York Times • Mar. 24, 2023

Related Words

• depression
• seasonal depression