Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) (Su-do-bul-bar Aff-ect) is a medical condition characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing, often in socially inappropriate situations. It is sometimes referred to as emotional lability, pathological crying and laughing, or emotional incontinence. An episode of PBA can occur at any time, even in inappropriate social situations.
Watch this video about PBA to learn more about the condition.
Watch this video about PBA to learn more about the condition.
Emotional Changes After Stroke
Right after a stroke, a survivor may respond one way, yet weeks later respond differently. Some survivors may react with sadness; others may be cheerful. These emotional reactions may occur because of biological or psychological causes due to stroke. These changes may vary with time and can interfere with rehabilitation.
How does stroke cause emotional changes?
Emotions may be hard to control, especially right after a stroke. Some changes are a result of the actual injury and chemical changes to the brain caused by the stroke.
Others are a normal reaction to the challenges, fears and frustrations that one may feel trying to deal with the effects of the stroke. Often, talking about the effects of the stroke and acknowledging these feelings helps stroke survivors deal with these emotions.
What are some common emotional changes after stroke?
Pseudobulbar Affect, also called “emotional lability,” “reflex crying” or “labile mood,” can cause:
Other common emotional reactions include:
How can I cope with my changing emotions?
How can I learn more?
Right after a stroke, a survivor may respond one way, yet weeks later respond differently. Some survivors may react with sadness; others may be cheerful. These emotional reactions may occur because of biological or psychological causes due to stroke. These changes may vary with time and can interfere with rehabilitation.
How does stroke cause emotional changes?
Emotions may be hard to control, especially right after a stroke. Some changes are a result of the actual injury and chemical changes to the brain caused by the stroke.
Others are a normal reaction to the challenges, fears and frustrations that one may feel trying to deal with the effects of the stroke. Often, talking about the effects of the stroke and acknowledging these feelings helps stroke survivors deal with these emotions.
What are some common emotional changes after stroke?
Pseudobulbar Affect, also called “emotional lability,” “reflex crying” or “labile mood,” can cause:
- Rapid mood changes — a person may “spill over into tears” for no obvious reason and then quickly stop crying or start laughing.
- Crying or laughing that doesn’t match a person’s mood.
- Crying or laughing at unusual times or that lasts longer than seems appropriate.
- Feelings of sadness
- Hopelessness or helplessness
- Irritability
- Changes in eating, sleeping and thinking
Other common emotional reactions include:
- Frustration
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Apathy or not caring what happens
- Lack of motivation
- Depression or sadness
How can I cope with my changing emotions?
- Tell yourself that your feelings aren’t “good” or “bad.” Let yourself cope without feeling guilty about your emotions.
- Find people who understand what you’re feeling. Ask about a support group.
- Get enough exercise and do enjoyable activities.
- Give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made. Celebrate the large and small gains.
- Learn to “talk” to yourself in a positive way. Allow yourself to make mistakes.
- Ask your doctor for help. Ask for a referral to a mental health specialist for psychological counseling and/or medication.
- Stroke may cause you to tire more easily. Rest when you feel fatigued. Make sure you get enough sleep at night. Sometimes lack of sleep can cause emotional changes and cause you not to cope as well.
How can I learn more?
- Talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professionals. Ask about other stroke topics.