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Pseudobulbar affect
Pseudobulbar affect
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
General
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a disorder in the central nervous system that can make the person become angry, laugh or cry without being able to control those emotions. The person’s mood does not match the emotions he or she displays. The symptoms may come a go quickly and it could happen a few times a day or a few times a month. The cause for pseudobulbar affect might be damage to the prefrontal cortex which may be caused due to injury, Alzhemier’s disease, brain tumor, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, multiple sclerosis, parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injury.
18 people with Pseudobulbar affect are on Alike.
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Signs & symptoms
Symptoms of pseudobulbar affect may include sudden laughter or cry, which are out of control and do not fit the situation, outbursts of frustration and anger and facial expression that do not match the emotions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based upon medical history, and physical examination. It is hard to diagnose, and often is mistakenly diagnosed as major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder. There is no specific test that can help with diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment starts with education around what pseudobulbar affect is, which was found to be helpful. If it is not enough and the disorder is affecting the person’s life, medications such as antidepressants may be administered. Recently, the first medication for pseudobulbar affect was released, called Nuedexta.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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One person shared a similar experience, stating "when I am super stressed I laugh. To make matters worse..if someone tries to correct me, I laugh even harder, close to passing out.. It's sudden moments when someone gets hurt. It's like my quick panic reaction." They also mentioned that they can't help it and it's how they're wired. Another person mentioned having PBA (**Pseudobulbar Affect**) where they would cry twice a month and now laugh twice a week. However, these are personal experiences and may not directly apply to your situation. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist for professional advice.
Uncontrollable Laughing: Seeking Advice and Support
Dealing with PBA Symptoms: To Medicate or Not?
How to Control Smiling and Laughing During Conversations?
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