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

Some call it seasonal affective disorder.

From Salon

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

Saba Harouni Lurie, a Los Angeles-based therapist who has experience helping clients deal with seasonal affective disorder, told The Times her No. 1 piece of advice is to increase exposure to sunlight.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

“Trying to get more sun each day is often the first step in managing the symptoms once you suspect that you’re suffering from seasonal affective disorder.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• depression
• seasonal depression