pseudobulbar affect
Also written as: PBA — Pseudobulbar Affect
A neurological condition causing sudden, uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing that are disproportionate to or independent of the patient's actual emotional state.
Full Definition
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, sudden, and uncontrollable episodes of crying and/or laughing that occur secondary to neurological disease or brain injury. In geriatric psychiatry, PBA is commonly seen in patients with dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurodegenerative conditions. The emotional expressions are often exaggerated and may not match the patient's actual feelings, causing significant distress and social embarrassment. Recognition of PBA is important to distinguish it from depression or mood disorders, as it requires different treatment approaches including specific medications like dextromethorphan-quinidine combination therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Important to distinguish from true mood disorders; 'pseudobulbar' refers to the neurological origin.
In Context
- "The patient's frequent crying episodes were identified as pseudobulbar affect rather than clinical depression." — Psychiatric evaluation
- "Family education about pseudobulbar affect helped reduce their distress about the patient's emotional outbursts." — Care coordination note