Film Joker finally showing in Indonesian cinemas. In the film, the Joker character is described as suffering from a disorder that often makes him laugh, even when he is sad. Did you know that pseudobulbar affectown typical symptoms like those experienced by the Joker? Then, what is it pseudobulbar affect? Check out the following explanation.
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a disorder of the nervous system that makes a person suddenly laugh or cry without being triggered by any cause. These sudden emotional changes often make sufferers feel embarrassed, anxious, depressed, and isolate themselves from the environment.
Symptom Pseudobulbar Affect
The following are symptoms that are often experienced by PBA sufferers:
- Sudden crying or laughing.
- Laugh out loud when you're sad or depressed, but cry when you're happy.
- Laughter or crying lasts longer than normal people.
- Facial expressions that don't match emotions.
- Suddenly turning frustrated or angry.
These symptoms usually appear suddenly and without realizing it. Symptom pseudobulbar affect It is often confused with mental disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Reason Pseudobulbar Affect
Until now, the cause of PBA is not clearly known. However, experts believe that PBA results from damage to the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that controls emotions.
Some of the following diseases and disorders of the brain and nervous system can also cause PBA:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Wilson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Epilepsy
- Dementia
- Brain tumor
- stroke
- brain injury
In addition, changes in brain chemicals related to depression and mood also play a role in the emergence of pseudobulbar affect. These chemical changes can interfere with signaling and information processing in the brain, thereby triggering PBA symptoms and complaints.
Treatment for Sufferers Pseudobulbar Affect
There is no specific drug that is effective for treating pseudobulbar affect. However, the class of antidepressants and drugs quinidine sulfate, as dextromethorphan, is known to be able to control the frequency and emotional outburst experienced by PBA sufferers.
In addition to drugs, there are several things that can be done to control PBA symptoms, namely:
Changing sitting and standing positions
Changing a sitting or standing position and then breathing slowly and deeply is a fairly effective way to relieve sudden emotional outbursts.
Relax the body
Laughing loudly or crying suddenly can put PBA sufferers from straining the muscles of the face and body. Therefore, patients need to perform relaxation techniques, especially in the shoulder and forehead muscles, after PBA symptoms have ended.
Talk about it with the closest people
People with PBA need to explain their condition to the people around them, so they are not surprised or confused when PBA symptoms suddenly appear.
now, thus the explanation of PBA or pseudobulbar affect. Although it is not dangerous, as much as possible recognize the signs and check with a doctor if you or your family experience the symptoms as described above.
