Behavioral Treatment of Pseudobulbar Affect: A Case Report
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026

A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS
Published on: February 21, 2011
Laurence P Perotti1, Latiba D Cummings2, Janyna Mercado3
1Clinical Psychologist at the Multidisciplinary Clinic, Department of Behavioral Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Purpose:
To determine if it is possible to successfully treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA) using a behavioral approach.
Design And Methods:
Two experiments were conducted, each a double reversal design with the same single subject in both. The first experiment tested the hypothesis that the rate of PBA could be controlled by manipulation of its consequences. The second experiment tested the hypothesis that use of a self-control procedure would control the rate of PBA.
Findings:
Rate of PBA could not be controlled by consequence manipulation, but rate of PBA could be controlled through use of a self-control procedure.
Practice Implications:
Pending confirmatory research, behavioral interventions utilizing self-control procedures should be considered in patients with PBA.
Related Concept Videos
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

