mood disorder

noun

: any of several psychological disorders (such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder) characterized by abnormalities of emotional state

called also affective disorder

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Depression is a mood disorder. USA Today, 12 May 2021 Then a military buddy told him about ketamine—the psychedelic drug that doctors have used for decades as an anesthetic and pain reliever and that has gained new popularity as a possible wonder drug for mood disorders. Sarah Elizabeth Richards, Men's Health, 24 Mar. 2023 Postpartum psychosis and other postpartum mood disorders tend only to earn serious media investigation when the death of a child is involved. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2023 What's more exercising has a positive psychological impact as well: People ages 15 to 25 with mood disorders worked out three times a week for 12 weeks, and their moods significantly improved when measured by the Beck Depression Inventory in a 2020 Journal of Psychiatric Practice study. Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 23 Feb. 2023 Experts worry the various characterizations of what Clancy may have experienced could discourage women in the grips of a postpartum mood disorder from seeking care. Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Feb. 2023 The company also treats depression, and more complex mental health challenges like bipolar II (a mood disorder involving periods of depression and mania) or OCD. Tasha Eichenseher, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2023 The central relationship is a romance between Colman’s Hilary, the middle-aged duty manager who has an apparent mood disorder, and Ward’s Stephen, an aspiring architecture student. Michael O'sullivan, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2022 But Warick did state Winslow may have a mood disorder due to his orthopedic problems and chronic pain. Brent Schrotenboer, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mood disorder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mood disorder was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near mood disorder

Cite this Entry

“Mood disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mood%20disorder. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

mood disorder

noun
: any of several psychological disorders characterized by abnormalities of emotional state and including especially major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder

called also affective disorder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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