Tips for coping with pseudobulbar affect (PBA)

PBA patient coping

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) episodes can certainly disrupt your life. Here are some suggestions on how you might regain a measure of control:

  • Be open about it. Let people know that you cannot always control your emotions
  • Distract yourself. If you feel an emotional episode coming on, try to focus on something unrelated
  • Change your body position. Note the posture you take when having an episode. When you think you are about to cry or laugh, change your position
  • Breathe. Inhale and exhale slowly until you are in control
  • Relax. Release the tension in your forehead, shoulders, and other muscle groups that tense up during an emotional episode

The above tips are not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Please discuss with your doctor additional ways to cope with episodes of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) .