pseudobulbar affect
Also written as: PBA — Pseudobulbar Affect
A neurological condition characterized by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing that are disproportionate to the triggering event.
Full Definition
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurological disorder involving involuntary, sudden, and frequent episodes of crying and/or laughing that occur in patients with certain neurological conditions or brain injuries. The emotional expression is often incongruent with the patient's actual emotional state. PBA is commonly seen in patients with traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or neurodegenerative diseases. It differs from depression or mania in that the episodes are brief, involuntary, and not reflective of the patient's true mood.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from emotional lability, which involves appropriate but exaggerated emotional responses.
In Context
- "The stroke patient's pseudobulbar affect manifested as uncontrollable crying during routine conversations." — Neuropsychiatric evaluation
- "Family education addressed the distinction between pseudobulbar affect and genuine emotional distress." — Discharge planning notes