This condition, known as Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA), often referred to as the 'laughing disease,' is a neurological disorder characterised by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing.
Published Jun 26, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 26, 2024 | 1:10 PM
PBA can significantly affect an individual's quality of life, leading to social withdrawal, difficulty in relationships, and challenges in professional settings. (Creative Common)
In a surprising revelation, popular ‘Baahubali‘ actor Anushka Shetty has opened up about her struggle with a rare condition affecting her laughter. During an interview with Indiaglitz, the 42-year-old star shared her experience.
“I have a laughing disease. You might wonder, ‘Is laughing a problem?’ For me, it is. If I start laughing, I can’t stop for 15 to 20 minutes. While watching or shooting comedy scenes, I literally roll on the floor laughing, and the shoot has been halted many times,” Shetty explained.
This condition, known as Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA), often referred to as the ‘laughing disease,’ is a neurological disorder characterised by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing that are inappropriate to the situation.
These emotional outbursts can occur without any triggering event and are typically more intense and frequent than those experienced by individuals without the condition.
Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar explained that the main issue with people experiencing this condition is that they laugh or smile without any reason.
Normally, we laugh because there is a joke or something that makes us happy. However, people with PBA will laugh or smile without any emotional triggers.
“There is a mismatch between the facial expression and the feelings inside. Normally, when people laugh or smile, it means they feel happy inside. Similarly, if they are crying or have a sad expression, it means they feel sad,” Dr Kumar told South First.
“People with PBA, however, can laugh or smile even when they don’t feel happy. Their expressions are disconnected from their emotions. They can also cry or weep without feeling sad. This condition is characterised by expressions that do not match the internal feelings,” he said.
Sudden, uncontrollable crying or laughing: These episodes can occur multiple times a day and may not match the individual’s actual emotional state.
Disproportionate emotional expression: The intensity and duration of these episodes can be out of proportion to the context or what the person is actually feeling.
Social and emotional impact: These episodes can be distressing and embarrassing, often leading to social isolation, anxiety, or depression.
PBA can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life, leading to social withdrawal, difficulty in relationships, and challenges in professional settings.
It is important for individuals with PBA and their caregivers to seek support and communicate openly with healthcare providers to manage the condition effectively.
Initially, PBA was thought to be unique to motor neuron disease. However, it was later discovered that it also appears in other conditions, such as brain strokes, traumatic brain injuries, infections affecting the brain stem, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Although it was first associated with motor neuron disease, it became clear that PBA could be a sign of various other brain diseases.
“In recent years, it has been found that PBA can also occur in people with normal brain function. An example is actress Anushka Shetty, who has episodes where she laughs uncontrollably for 15 to 20 minutes,” said Dr Kumar.
“This can happen even over something trivial that would make others laugh for just a few seconds. The reaction in people with PBA can be disproportionate and last much longer, typically 15 to 20 minutes,” he said.
“Even though their brain is normal, they realise after the episode that there was no need for such a reaction. They simply have no control over it at the moment,” said Dr Kumar.
“Friends and family who are aware of the condition understand and accept it, but in unfamiliar settings, people might misinterpret their behaviour,” he said.
Dr Sudhir Kumar addressed whether this condition is a psychiatric disorder, emphasising that in society, uncontrollable laughter is often perceived as a sign of mental illness. However, there are key differences between psychiatric illnesses and PBA.
“In psychiatric conditions, such as mania or depression, emotional states last for extended periods. Mania involves prolonged episodes of heightened happiness and laughter, while depression involves extended periods of sadness and crying. These are categorised as mood disorders or affective disorders, which persist throughout the day and for several days,” he said.
He said that PBA, on the other hand, involves brief episodes of uncontrollable laughing or crying, typically lasting only 15 to 20 minutes.
Between episodes, individuals may not exhibit any symptoms, which is why PBA is not classified as a psychiatric illness. The emotional outbursts are brief and intermittent, unlike the continuous mood states seen in psychiatric disorders.
Dr Kumar explained that diagnosing PBA is primarily clinical. Neuro examinations are conducted to rule out underlying brain diseases, and if no abnormalities are found, further testing is usually unnecessary.
Management of PBA involves reassuring the patient, counselling, and non-drug treatments. Techniques such as mind diversion, muscle relaxation, and meditation can help manage the episodes.
Medications are generally avoided unless the condition severely disrupts social or family life due to potential side effects. When necessary, medications can be used to manage symptoms.
Dr Kumar also highlighted the importance of educating the patient’s social circle to foster understanding and support.
(Edited by Shauqueen Mizaj)
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