lability
Pronunciation: lah-BIL-ih-tee
Rapid and unpredictable changes in emotional expression that are disproportionate to the situation.
Full Definition
Emotional lability refers to abnormal variability in emotional expression characterized by rapid shifts between different emotional states, often with little or no apparent trigger. Patients may quickly transition from laughing to crying or from calm to agitated within minutes or seconds. The emotional responses are typically exaggerated relative to the precipitating stimulus and may seem inappropriate to observers. Lability can occur in various psychiatric and neurological conditions including bipolar disorder during mixed states, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and certain personality disorders. It differs from normal emotional responsiveness in its intensity, rapidity of change, and lack of proportionality to circumstances.
Usage
Usage note: Can be used with 'emotional' or 'affective' as modifiers. Distinguish from normal mood changes by noting rapidity and disproportionality.
In Context
- "The patient exhibited marked lability, shifting from tears to laughter within the same conversation." — Mental status examination
- "Emotional lability improved with mood stabilizer treatment." — Progress note