Pseudobulbar affect is a neurological disorder that is also commonly known as emotional lability, emotional incontinence, and other terms. It presents itself through changes in behavior that can present in uncontrollable laughing and crying, to frustration and rage. This nervous system disorder is commonly seen in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury or stroke, a brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and various other diseases.

Pseudobulbar affect is common for those who suffer from PBA to have normal emotions, but experience exaggerated reactions seemingly out of nowhere. They can last anywhere from a few seconds, up to several minutes. The burdensome and often difficult to restrain symptoms of pseudobulbar affect can result in restricting social interactions, isolating oneself, depression, anxiety, and causing stress to relationships. It can be managed, but not cured, with medication like Nuedextra or off-label antidepressants. Here are the main symptoms:

1. Uncontrollable laughter
An otherwise somber moment like a funeral could cause someone suffering from PBA to break down into uncontrollable laughter. Situations that are mildly amusing, or ones that could simply elicit a sensible chuckle, may cause the person to keep laughing even after everyone else has stopped.

2. Uncontrollable crying
Something as small as parting with a friend for the day, watching a sad children’s show, or being shown affection from a loved one can trigger a bout of uncontrollable crying.

3. Normal moods between episodes
After the crying or laughing episode, a person’s mood returns to baseline or what is considered normal. The duration of symptoms usually helps with determining whether or not it’s PBA, or a psychological disorder.

4. Feel no relief following crying or laughing
Many will feel a swell of emotions after calming down after crying or laughing. For those who suffer from PBA, they tend to not feel the typical relief associated with expressing sad emotions.

5. No connection between moods and emotions
Some may associate uncontrollable crying as a sign of depression, and while sometimes that may be the case, there is usually no connection between what the person is experiencing and their emotional reaction to it.

6. Unpredictable episodes
Without warning, PBA can show up in almost any kind of situation. Someone may be relaxed one minute, and the next suddenly filled with laughter, crying, or even uncontrollable rage for no real reason.

7. Unable to stop the laughter or tears
Someone with PBA who is either crying or laughing are unable to restrain, or even stop themselves from continuing. It can often bring on embarrassment.

8. Laughter to tears, tears to laughter
PBA sufferers have their emotions switch from one extreme to another. One moment they could be laughing, followed by abruptly breaking down into tears and vice versa.