| recurrent winter depression characterized by oversleeping, overeating, and irritability, and relieved by the arrival of spring or by light therapy. Abbreviation: SAD |
| seasonal affective disorder n. Abbr. SAD A form of depression occurring at certain seasons of the year, especially when the individual has less exposure to sunlight. |
| Main Entry: | seasonal affective disorder |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | depression associated with the reduction of daylight during the shorter days of late autumn and winter; abbr. SAD |
seasonal affective disorder sea·son·al affective disorder (sē'zə-nəl)
n.
Abbr. SAD
A mild form of depression occurring at certain seasons of the year, especially depression that recurs in winter and that is characterized by loss of energy and sexual drive, restlessness, and often by a craving for carbohydrates.
seasonal affective disorder  (sē'zə-nəl) Pronunciation Key
A mood disorder that occurs during seasons when exposure to sunlight is limited, characterized by symptoms of depression. |