The Joker film finally aired in Indonesian theaters. In the film, the Joker character is depicted suffering from a disorder that often makes him laugh, even though in a sad state. Did you know that pseudobulbar affect has the typical symptoms experienced by the Joker? Then, what does pseudobulbar affect? Check out the following explanation.
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a disorder in 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 ashamed, anxious, depressed, to isolate themselves from the environment.
Symptoms of Pseudobulbar Affect
The following are symptoms that are often experienced by people with PBA:
- Suddenly crying or laughing.
- Laugh loudly when feeling sad or depressed, but crying when feeling happy.
- Laughter or crying lasts longer than normal people.
- Facial expressions that do not match emotions.
- Suddenly turns frustrated or angry.
These symptoms usually appear suddenly and unnoticed. The symptoms of pseudobulbar affect are often confused with mental disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Causes of Pseudobulbar Affect
Until now, the cause of PBA has not been clearly known. However, experts believe that PBA results from damage to the prefrontal cortex, which is 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, chemical changes in the brain related to depression and mood also play a role in the emergence of pseudobulbar affect. Changes in these chemicals can interfere with signal and information processing in the brain, thus triggering the emergence of symptoms and complaints of PBA.
Treatment for Pseudobulbar Affect Patients
There is no specific drug that is effective for dealing with pseudobulbar affect. However, classes of antidepressant drugs and quinidine sulfate drugs, such as dextromethorphan, are known to be able to control the frequency and emotional outbursts experienced by people with PBA.
In addition to medication, there are several things that are done to control the symptoms of PBA, namely:
Change sitting and standing position
Changing the sitting or standing position and breathing slowly and deeply is an effective enough way to relieve sudden emotional outbursts.
Make the body relax
Laughing loudly or crying suddenly can make PBA sufferers experience tension in the muscles of the face and body. Therefore, sufferers need to use relaxation techniques, especially in the shoulder and forehead muscles, after the symptoms of PBA have ended.
Discuss it with the closest person
PBA sufferers need to explain about their condition to the people around them, so they are not surprised or confused when PBA symptoms suddenly appear.
Well, that is the explanation of PBA or pseudobulbar affect. Although not dangerous, as much as possible recognize the sign and do a doctor's examination if you or your family experience the symptoms as described above.
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