Pseudobulbar affect
Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA), pronounced /ˌsjuːdoʊˈbʌlbər əˈfɛkt/, is a type of emotional disturbance characterized by uncontrollable episodes of crying and/or laughing, or other emotional displays. PBA occurs secondary to a neurologic disorder or brain injury. Patients may find themselves crying uncontrollably at something that is only moderately sad, being unable to stop themselves for several minutes. Episodes may also be mood-incongruent: a patient might laugh uncontrollably at something that is not particularly funny, again for several minutes.
Etymology
The term "Pseudobulbar" is derived from the Greek word "pseudo", meaning false, and the Latin word "bulbar", which refers to the brainstem. The term "affect" is used in the psychological sense to refer to the external display of emotion or mood.
Related Terms
- Neurology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.
- Brainstem: The posterior part of the brain, continuous with the spinal cord.
- Emotion: A complex state of feeling that results in physical and psychological changes that influence thought and behavior.
- Mood (psychology): A temporary state of mind or feeling.
- Psychology: The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pseudobulbar affect
- Wikipedia's article - Pseudobulbar affect
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