Understanding the impact of pseudobulbar affect (PBA)

PBA patient housebound

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) can occur in people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and certain other neurologic conditions. 

In a study of more than 1000 neurologic patients, those with pseudobulbar affect (PBA) reported significantly worse mental health, social function, impairment of daily activity, and workplace productivity compared to those without pseudobulbar affect (PBA). Forty percent of patients said that pseudobulbar affect (PBA) caused or greatly contributed to their being housebound.