UNDERSTANDING PBA

PBA can look like a lot of other conditions, so it can be difficult to diagnose. In fact, it is often disguised, misinterpreted and mistaken for depression.

What is Pseudobulbar Affect?      |      Recognizing Signs & Symptoms      |      Differentiating PBA from Depression      |      FAQs

DISPELLING THE CONFUSION: DIFFERENTIATING PBA FROM DEPRESSION

PBA can look like a lot of other conditions, so it can be difficult to diagnose. In fact, it is often disguised, misinterpreted and mistaken for depression.

Is it depression or PBA? Here are a few ways to tell the difference:

  • How long do the individual’s crying episodes last? With PBA, it is seconds to minutes; with depression, they can last for weeks or months
  • How is the individual behaving? With PBA, behavior does not change; with depression, a person can seem fatigued, agitated or apathetic
  • Is the person seeing things clearly? With PBA, there is no misperception; depression can cause one to have a distorted or negative view of him or herself, others and the future

Questions adapted from Strokewise.com (http://www.strokewise.info/2009/10/emotional-lability.html)

QUIZ: FIVE-MINUTE SCREENING:

Do you or someone you care for have Pseudobulbar affect?
Note: This is not an official diagnosis; please talk with your doctor.

TAKE NOW

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