dysphoria

noun

dys·​pho·​ria dis-ˈfȯr-ē-ə 

plural dysphorias

: a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied

Paradoxically, chronic cocaine use eventually leads to dysphoria—a depressed, low-energy state characterized by flattened emotions, a lack of interest in sex, and physical immobility.

—James Lieber

see also gender dysphoria

Examples of dysphoria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And in Denmark, new guidelines being finalized this year will limit hormone treatments to transgender adolescents who have experienced dysphoria since early childhood. —Azeen Ghorayshi, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024

These negative experiences included various mental health issues, family and relationship problems, bereavement, dysphoria, and job loss. —Ian Walker |, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2024

While these undergarments won't completely flatten the chest and could cause body dysphoria for some, different styles might help achieve multiple looks or offer options for youth who need to accommodate varying activities. —Lauren Rowello, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024

Over the years, our culture has successfully navigated body dysphoria before. —Adam Mathews, National Review, 5 Jan. 2024

If One Part Suffers The enigma of body integrity dysphoria by Michelle Orange, Harper’s Magazine welcomes reader response. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 3 Jan. 2024

Masculine self-alienation transforms into something that looks more like closeted queerness and body dysphoria. —Noah Berlatsky, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023

Plus, trans and nonbinary patients may also have varying levels of dysphoria relating to their chest. —Sage Agee, Parents, 13 Sep. 2023

Over-consumption of caffeine can lead to a list of health issues, including fast heart rate, anxiousness, jitters, nausea, upset stomach, insomnia and dysphoria, which is a feeling of unhappiness, according to the FDA. —Zach Mentz, cleveland, 13 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek dysphoría "malaise, discomfort, vexation," from dýsphoros "hard to bear, grievous" (from dys- dys- + -phoros, nominal ablaut derivative from the base of phérein "to carry, bear") + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at bear entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dysphoria

• gender dysphoria

Medical Definition

dysphoria

noun

dys·​pho·​ria dis-ˈfōr-ē-ə, -ˈfȯr- 

1

: a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied

Since early adolescence she had had periods of a few days to a week of dysphoria, crying spells, decreased sleep with early-morning awakening …

—Edmund C. Settle, Jr., Journal of the American Medical Association

Experimental subjects report intense euphoria, sometimes followed by a "crash," or extreme dysphoria, and a craving for more cocaine.

—Craig Van Dyke and Robert Byck, Scientific American

compare euphoria

2

: gender dysphoria

Gender confirmation surgery … can assist most patients in relieving their dysphoria and reduce the risk of associated symptoms such as depression, suicidality, anxiety, drug abuse, and social isolation.

—Nick Esmonde et al., Journal of Craniofacial Surgery