Cacothymia

/ˌkækəˈθɪmiə/ noun

Definition

A mental condition characterized by depression, anxiety, or a generally bad or irritable mood.

Etymology

From Greek 'kakos' (bad) + 'thymos' (spirit/mood). This psychological term was used to describe abnormal emotional or temperamental states.

Kelly Says

This word beautifully shows how ancient medicine tried to be scientific about emotions—they believed a 'bad thymos' (spirit) could literally be diagnosed and treated like a physical disease, connecting mood disorders to the body's humors.

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