Do I Have Pseudobulbar Affect?

Is your emotional response exaggerated for the situation (i.e., is your response to situations more intense than others)?

Are your emotions disconnected from your moods (e.g., cry when not sad, or laugh when nothing funny is going on)?

Is your response inappropriate to the event (e.g., laughing out loud at a funeral)?

Are the episodes unpredictable?

Is it hard to stop the laughter or tears?

Does laughter turn to tears, and vice versa?

Do your moods return to normal in between episodes of laughter or tears?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have pseudobulbar affect. The condition is characterized by sudden uncontrollable and inappropriate laughing or crying. Someone with pseudobulbar affect may experience emotions normally but express them sometimes in an exaggerated or inappropriate way. This may cause impairment in daily functioning. The condition often goes underdiagnosed or is mistaken for mood disorders. Therefore, it is important to get a thorough evaluation if you are experiencing various symptoms. Besides, it’s essential to discuss specific details about your emotional outburst with your doctor.

While it is unlikely that you have pseudobulbar affect, you are displaying some signs related to it. Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is characterized by sudden uncontrollable and inappropriate laughing or crying. PBA may be caused by a brain injury or a neurological disease. The condition is often mistaken for depression, schizophrenia, generalized anxiety disorder, and personality disorder. Therefore, it is important to discuss specific details about your symptoms and emotional outbursts with your doctor. PBA is not dangerous, but it can cause impairment in normal functioning. If you are in doubt about your symptoms, it may be useful to plan a visit to your doctor.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have pseudobulbar affect (PBA). It may be of high importance to seek medical support. PBA is characterized by sudden uncontrollable and exaggerated emotional outbursts. If someone suddenly begins to laugh or cry without reason, or can’t control these emotional outbursts, it may be a sign of PBA. The goal of treatment for this condition is to reduce the emotional outbursts. Usually medication is prescribed, including antidepressants. Besides, occupational therapy may help you to develop ways to manage everyday tasks. Support groups may also help you feel understood, and you can discuss tips for coping with the condition.