Pseudobulbar Affect Presenting as Hypomania.

Publication/Presentation Date

3-18-2020

Abstract

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a behavioral syndrome associated with various neurological conditions that typically manifests as uncontrollable laughing or crying. PBA can significantly impact the quality of life of patients affected as these spells can be inappropriate to the social setting or incompatible with the patient's emotional state. The underlying mechanism of PBA appears to be associated with disinhibition in neuronal pathways involving dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. One hypothesis for the pathology of PBA is that it is the result of disruption of the corticopontine-cerebellar circuits, impairing cerebellar modulation of affect, and leading to uncontrolled emotional lability. Stroke, and other neurological disorders, interrupt these neuronal circuits causing disinhibition of the voluntary control of emotional expression. It is extremely important to recognize and appropriately diagnose the condition. We present a case report of an 85-year-old female patient who presented with a thalamic stroke, and she subsequently developed hypomania with symptoms of decreased need for sleep, mood lability, pressured speech, and religious preoccupation. This case discusses a unique presentation of PBA with hypomania.

Volume

12

Issue

3

First Page

7308

Last Page

7308

ISSN

2168-8184

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Obstetrics and Gynecology

PubMedID

32313749

Department(s)

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents, Fellows and Residents

Document Type

Article

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