seasonal affective disorder

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

noun

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

seasonal affective disorder

/ sē′zə-nəl /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of seasonal affective disorder¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

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

And for people whose work schedules or lifestyles make it challenging to spend time in the sun, indoor light therapy lamps that mimic natural light have been shown to combat seasonal affective disorder.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• depression
• seasonal depression