Pseudobulbar effect or disease pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a disease that makes sufferers laugh or cry suddenly, without any trigger. Unlike normal people, people with PBA often laugh or cry in situations that are not funny or sad.
Pseudobulbar affect is depicted in the film through the figure of Arthur Fleck or the Joker. The Joker is described as someone who laughs a lot for no reason, even in situations that aren't funny. In other words, the mood of a person with PBA may conflict with the expression they display.
Symptoms of Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
Symptoms of pseudobulbar affect are excessive laughing or crying, which can occur suddenly without any trigger.
The tears and laughter of people with pseudobulbar affect have different characteristics from other mental disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, namely:
- Laughing and crying uncontrollably and excessively, in contrast to laughter and crying in normal people.
- Laughter and crying are not affected by mood, so people with PBA can cry or laugh even when they're not feeling sad or funny, and in situations that normal people don't think are sad or funny.
In addition to excessive laughter and crying, people with PBA often feel frustrated and angry. The frustration and anger can be explosive, but only last for a few minutes.
For eating patterns and sleeping patterns, PBA sufferers do not experience disturbances. Patients with PBA also do not experience weight loss, which may be experienced by people with other mental disorders.
Causes of Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
It is not known exactly what causes pseudobulbar affect. However, it is suspected that PBA is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls emotions, as well as changes in brain chemicals. This is because PBA usually occurs in people with the following neurological disorders:
- Head injury
- stroke
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson's disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- Brain tumor
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
DiagnosisPseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
In order to determine whether the patient has pseudobulbar affect, the doctor will first ask about the symptoms experienced by the patient, then perform a physical examination.
Given that PBA symptoms can resemble symptoms of other mental disorders, it is important for patients to explain in detail about the symptoms they are experiencing, including when and how long they last.
To look for other neurological diseases that accompany this condition, the doctor will perform several supporting examinations. For example, an MRI or CT scan to look for possible brain injury and stroke, or an electroencephalography (EEG) scan to see if you have epilepsy.
TreatmentPseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
Treatment of pseudobulbar affect aims to relieve the severity of symptoms and reduce the frequency with which emotional outbursts occur. A number of methods of treatment are drugs, including antidepressants, dextromethorphan, or quinidine.
To help patients carry out daily activities independently, doctors will also suggest occupational therapy.
ComplicationsPseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
Symptoms of pseudobulbar affect can cause sufferers to feel anxious, embarrassed, and even depressed. In fact, it is possible for PBA sufferers to isolate themselves because of their illness, so that their daily activities are disrupted.
Prevention of Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
Pseudobulbar affect is difficult to prevent. For people who suffer from this disease, prevention that can be done is to avoid episodes of crying and laughing for no apparent reason. These episodes can be controlled by taking medicines given by the doctor and undergoing therapy. That way, PBA sufferers can adapt to their condition and can continue to carry out their daily activities normally.
