PBA PseudoBulbar Affect

[junebug56]

Has anyone else heard of PBA? It was new to me and is described as a neurologic condition that can occur when certain neurologic diseases or brain injuries damage the areas of the brain that control normal expression of emotion. This damage can disrupt brain signaling, causing a "short circuit" and triggers episodes of crying or laughing that are often sudden or exaggerated or do not match what the person is feeling inside.

Some conditions that can lead to PBA are;

* Alzheimer's and other dementias

* Parkinson's disease

* Multiple sclerosis

* ALS

For me this info was very enlightening,,,for years I have had crying jags with no idea why. They are short lived and have nothing to do with depression. The difference between PBA and depression is that the episodes are brief not ongoing for weeks or months. PBA also does not match the feelings inside and outbursts have no specific link to underlying feelings where depression match the mod of sadness inside which may include feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or thoughts of death.

PBA is an emotional disconnect and can be treated.

I thought this info was interesting and believe I do have it but probably will not take the medication...PwP have enough pills to take but it is good to have an explanation.

It is an interesting subject to research if you are interested. The web site is pbafacts.com

[michaela13]

Yes, it happens also to people who have had head trauma. I had it for a long time. Now it seems to have disappeared, but I actually like itand have accepted it as part of the illness.

[honeycombe3]

Hi Junebug,

Thanks for that - it will give me something useful to do until the sun shines again.

[arwenmark]

It accounts for misplaced reactions, such as being told someone you know is dead and you bust out laughing.