diurnal mood variation

a feature of some bipolar disorders and depressive disorders in which daily, predictable emotional fluctuations occur. Typically, this pattern consists of an elevation of mood during the daytime and evening hours and a depression of mood during the overnight and morning hours. See also seasonal affective disorder.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

January 3rd 2025

unipolar disorder

persistent or pervasive depression that does not involve a manic episode, a hypomanic episode, or a mixed episode. As such, it contrasts with bipolar disorder. The term is sometimes used synonymously with major depressive disorder. Also called unipolar depression.