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major depressive disorder

in DSM–IV–TR and DSM–5, a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and other symptoms of a major depressive episode but without accompanying episodes of mania or hypomania or mixed episodes of depressive and manic or hypomanic symptoms. Also called major depression.

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Psychology term of the day

January 20th 2025

ambient conditions

ambient conditions

the physical variables in a particular environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, noise level, and intensity of light) that, taken as a whole, create an atmosphere that may evoke a distinct feeling or mood. Ambient conditions can be distinguished from specific elements of the environment.