lability
Pronunciation: la-BIL-i-ty
Rapid and unpredictable changes in emotional expression, often inappropriate to the situation or stimulus.
Full Definition
Emotional lability refers to abnormal or pathological changes in emotional expression characterized by rapid shifts between different emotional states that are often disproportionate to external stimuli. This can manifest as sudden crying, laughing, anger, or other emotional responses that change quickly and unpredictably. Lability is commonly observed in various psychiatric and neurological conditions, including bipolar disorder, brain injury, dementia, and certain personality disorders. The assessment of emotional lability is an important component of mental status examination and can significantly impact treatment planning and prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Refers specifically to the quality of emotional expression, not internal mood states.
In Context
- "The patient's emotional lability made it difficult to maintain consistent therapeutic rapport." — Clinical assessment
- "Mood stabilizers were prescribed to address the severe lability following the brain injury." — Treatment plan