seasonal affective disorder
noun
: depression that tends to recur chiefly during the late fall and winter and is associated with shorter hours of daylight —abbreviation SAD
Did you know?
Seasonal affective disorder hasn't been recognized as a medical condition for very long, and the term has only become part of the general English vocabulary during the past three decades or so (its earliest documented appearance in print dates from 1983). "Seasonal affective disorder" (abbreviated SAD) is also sometimes called "Winter Depression" and some researchers describe it as a "hibernation reaction" in which sensitive individuals react to the decreasing amounts of light and the colder temperatures of fall and winter.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web This includes general major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder and bipolar disorder. 
Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE.com, 10 June 2022 Since seasonal affective disorder comes with the changing weather each year, Kadera said students can help notice the recurring symptoms of depression by being aware of their emotional wellbeing throughout the year. Alexie Zollinger, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 Mar. 2022 For some people, seasonal affective disorder can make things worse. Alex Janin, WSJ, 1 Feb. 2022 If the negative feelings happen at the same time for consecutive years, there is a chance an individual has seasonal affective disorder. Tatyana Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2022 Bupropion is approved for the treatment of adult depression and seasonal affective disorder, and to help people stop smoking. Washington Post, 4 May 2022 The senator noted that cases of SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, are much more common in the winter months than in summer. Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al, 15 Mar. 2022 Light therapy is one of the go-to treatments for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a type of seasonal mood disorder that leaves people feeling lonely, depressed, or isolated and typically strikes during the cold, dark winter months. Sarah Klein, Health.com, 5 Nov. 2021 Amy Kugler understands firsthand how running can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2020 See More
Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE.com, 10 June 2022 Since seasonal affective disorder comes with the changing weather each year, Kadera said students can help notice the recurring symptoms of depression by being aware of their emotional wellbeing throughout the year. Alexie Zollinger, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 Mar. 2022 For some people, seasonal affective disorder can make things worse. Alex Janin, WSJ, 1 Feb. 2022 If the negative feelings happen at the same time for consecutive years, there is a chance an individual has seasonal affective disorder. Tatyana Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2022 Bupropion is approved for the treatment of adult depression and seasonal affective disorder, and to help people stop smoking. Washington Post, 4 May 2022 The senator noted that cases of SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, are much more common in the winter months than in summer. Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al, 15 Mar. 2022 Light therapy is one of the go-to treatments for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a type of seasonal mood disorder that leaves people feeling lonely, depressed, or isolated and typically strikes during the cold, dark winter months. Sarah Klein, Health.com, 5 Nov. 2021 Amy Kugler understands firsthand how running can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2020 See More Word History
First Known Use
1983, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
seasonal affective disorder
noun
sea·son·al affective disorder ˌsēz-ᵊn-əl- 
: depression that tends to recur each year chiefly during the late fall and winter and is associated with shorter hours of daylight —abbreviation SAD