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

Examples of mood disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rates were high in women who lived with PMDD alongside other mood disorders, such as depression. Eliza Zhitnik, The Conversation, 8 May 2026 Parents who are highly stressed and who aren’t getting needed support are more likely to experience a mental health mood disorder after having a baby. Parents, 25 June 2026 Postpartum depression is often used as a shorthand for any perinatal mood disorder, which can include anxiety and OCD. Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 27 June 2026 This isn’t great news, since many experts suspect loneliness is a major contributor to (and powerful predictor of) depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mood disorder

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Mood disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mood%20disorder. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

mood disorder

noun
: any of several psychological disorders characterized by abnormalities of emotional state

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

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