Talking about pseudobulbar affect (PBA):
advice for loved ones

If someone you love has pseudobulbar affect (PBA), he or she may be embarrassed by his or her outbursts and reluctant to talk about his or her condition. You can help by letting that person know you understand that his or her episodes are involuntary and are not something they can control.

You can also remind your loved one that pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a physical condition, not a mental state, caused by underlying brain injury or disease. The result is a “short circuit” in the signals from the brain, which triggers his or her episodes.

Finally, you can reassure your loved one that he or she is not alone. Many people suffer from the symptoms of pseudobulbar affect (PBA). They are looking for answers about this condition and ways to cope with it. And many of these pseudobulbar affect (PBA) patients have loved ones who, like you, want to let them know that pseudobulbar affect (PBA) does not change the way you feel about them.