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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
12:43
A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Published on: February 21, 2011
Pseudobulbar affect: an under-recognized and under-treated neurological disorder
Susan S Work1, Jennifer A Colamonico, Walter G Bradley
1Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 101 Enterprise, Suite 300, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656, USA. SWork@avanir.com
Advances in Therapy
|June 11, 2011
Summary
The US prevalence of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is estimated at about 10% in patients with neurological conditions. This neurologic syndrome of emotional disinhibition appears to be under-recognized by physicians.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable emotional outbursts.
- PBA can cause significant distress and social dysfunction.
- The prevalence of PBA in the United States was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of PBA in the US population.
- To assess PBA in patients with Alzheimer's disease, ALS, MS, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and TBI.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was conducted with 2318 participants diagnosed with one of six neurological conditions.
- Participants were screened for PBA using the Pathological Laughing and Crying Scale (PLACS) and the Center for Neurologic Study-Lability Scale (CNS-LS).
- US prevalence was estimated using established disease population data.
Main Results:
- The mean prevalence of PBA was approximately 10% across the studied conditions.
- Estimated US population with PBA ranges from 1.8 to 7.1 million.
- Only 41% of patients who discussed symptoms with a physician were diagnosed.
Conclusions:
- PBA prevalence is estimated at around 10% in individuals with common neurological conditions.
- PBA is likely under-recognized and underdiagnosed.
- Further recognition and diagnosis of PBA are warranted.
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