Crying at Donald Duck, and other strange emotional reactions
Could my unexpected emotions be a sign of pseudobulbar affect?
A few years before I was married and had even thought about having children, I was at home alone when there was a knock at the door. I hadn’t lived there for long, and a small group of people had dropped by to welcome me to the neighborhood. I invited them in, turned off the TV, exchanged introductions, and made general “getting to know you” small talk.
During the friendly interaction, I noticed that my guests kept glancing around the house, and a number of questions seemed distinctly aimed at my personal life. Since I’d previously lived only in apartments or condominiums, I thought it was just how people in neighborhoods interacted with one another.
Months later, while talking to my next-door neighbor, I remarked that some of the questions and behavior in that initial meeting had caught me off guard. With a chuckle, he informed me that since an animated movie had been playing on the TV, they’d all been looking for signs of children.
In retrospect, I can see how it might seem a little odd to a casual observer that a grown man, living by himself, would be watching a Disney movie. It doesn’t strike me as anything out of the ordinary, though, because I’ve enjoyed watching animated movies and cartoons my entire life. With or without children of my own, I’d still probably watch cartoons, but I suppose that having kids makes it appear more natural.
What isn’t natural is the emotional reactions I’ve been having for the past several years, and multiple sclerosis (MS) may be to blame.
A disorder that often goes undiagnosed
The fact is, I’ve started tearing up during animated movies. I don’t mean to imply that I was ever made of stone or that Disney doesn’t put some sad moments in its films. But I’m experiencing tear-jerking moments during scenes that weren’t meant to elicit crying. I’ll leave diagnosing that to a professional, but I’m starting to wonder if I’m experiencing some symptoms of pseudobulbar affect (PBA).
Pseudobulbar affect is defined as an uncontrolled emotional outburst of laughing or crying that’s either inappropriate or out of proportion to the triggering event. It goes by a number of other names, including emotional lability, involuntary emotional expression disorder, and my personal favorite, emotional incontinence.
I’m being a little sarcastic with that last one, because when I think of incontinence, I think of multiple sclerosis. I suppose it seems cruelly appropriate that MS could be the cause of more than just one type of incontinence. I’m not being sarcastic when I say that PBA affects 25% to 50% of people with MS. If those numbers seem to span a wide gap, it may be because this disorder often goes undiagnosed.
The exact cause of pseudobulbar affect is unknown, but it’s thought to be the result of damage to the emotional center of the brain. This damage is related to an injury caused by an underlying neurological event, such as physical trauma to the brain or a disease process like MS.
PBA isn’t considered a mood disorder like depression, which is common in people with MS, although it’s often mistaken for it. The difference is that with depression, crying or other emotional episodes are triggered by appropriate events.
Somewhat ironically, pseudobulbar affect can lead to depression if left untreated or unmanaged. The good news is that a behavioral health professional can prescribe medication to help with PBA symptoms and suggest coping mechanisms. It doesn’t have a cure, but diagnosis by a professional and learning to recognize it myself seem to make it manageable.
I have no idea if PBA is the cause of my inappropriate emotional reactions to cartoons. As I noted above, MS can lead to a number of mental health concerns, and I almost certainly have some degree of depression. I do know that like everyone who has this disease, I’m my own best advocate, so I’ll be bringing it up during my next mental health checkup.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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Gillian Ward
This explains a lot. I didn’t cry when my mother died but I cry when someone wins on the Price is Right or a pet passes away. I thought it was just me. It’s a relief it know I’m not alone. Thank you.
Benjamin Hofmeister
It is definitely not just you Gillian! I still can't believe how many other people with multiple sclerosis are replying to the column saying that they experience the exact same thing.
Tom Jenner
That was a great article Ben. What made it even better was I could identify with the topics you talked about. I find myself at times tearing up over the mildest things. A cute puppy video. Maybe watching a show or movie and something may get a little dramatic or happy or sad. Things that years ago I probably wouldn't even of acknowledged. There's no doubt in my mind it's the M. S. I can get into a serious conversation and my eyes will start watering. Now you got me thinking about the Brain Trauma. I was diagnosed with M. S. Back in the mid 80s. Things for the most part were ok until around 2000. But thinking back I was in a car accident in the late 70s. I fractured my skull broke some ribs. Lung collapsed. Had the chest tube in for awhile. Wondering if that shot to the head could of started things. How the heck would I. Or could I find out if it was related at all. Now you have me thinking. Thanks Ben
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks for the comment Tom! I definitely had my share of head injuries prior to being diagnosed with MS. That was actually something that was brought up as a possible trigger for MS. What's sad, is that I told the provider that I had only had three concussions, because I didn't remember the 4th until A friend brought it up. I'm no doctor, but not remembering being knocked out is probably a bad thing. I've been exposed to the overpressure from multiple explosions, but didn't lose consciousness. I still wonder if that sort of brain trauma had any sort of effect on my developing MS.
The emotional problems didn't start until after that diagnosis though, so I think in my case, multiple sclerosis is definitely to blame
Ted Thomas
Commercials, movies, excellent performances of any kind and I was in tears. Sertraline fixes it for me. Doesn’t make me happier or sadder just more in control. Diagnosed ms 23 years…PBA maybe 10 years ago.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks for the comment Ted! You made a great point. If I am diagnosed with PBA, I don't expect anything to cure it, I just want to have control. In a disease that keeps trying to take control from me, every little bit counts.
Darla
I have tears when I hear louder noises such as Queen concert or a train whistle going by. I have noticed this year that I develope a tear watching an older movie with music. Not usual for me.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thank you for the comment! I think you said the key words,"not usual for me".
Diane Randall
I've had the opposite , I don't cry anymore even when something, a movie, or someone would have brought a deluge of tears. It's difficult for my daughter who lives with me.
However, I remember at least one incident (maybe two) where my then-boyfriend was emotionally upset with me, crying, and I had to try so hard not to laugh.
I doubt THIS is pseudobulbar, but I remember recently, a member of our community get-together yelled to her dogs (in her apt around the corner) who were barking up a storm. "Shut up!" she shouted. I laughed uncontrollably. The funny thing is/was to me, that all the other members also shut up! still think it's sad that others reacted as if they were being shouted at. I know she didn't like it at all!
Benjamin Hofmeister
Hi Diane, I think not crying when it is appropriate to is no different than crying when the situation doesn't call for it. Of course, I'm not qualified to make any sort of diagnosis and this is something I intend to discuss with a mental health care provider in the near future.
jennifer rose clark
Yes the last year before my diagnose in 4-2024 I used to be the thickest skin no matter the situation or people but the last year of volunteering I would literally bawl at the slightest word if it wasn't even that big of deal. We dr and me dont have the entire number of lesion etc etc still waiting on spinal tap/but the location of the prominent ones seen with no contrast MRI in this part of brain. so much info I almost feel like I a getting medical training just trying to see my stuff and the enormous amount of info about MS learning my anatomy as for as brain. thanks I liked this article thank you
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thank you for taking the time to read it and leave a comment! I have definitely become more sensitive since having multiple sclerosis. Some if not most of it, is due to depression. Like you, I feel like I've gotten a crash course in medicine, particularly neurology. I always find it funny when people say,"you sure know a lot about multiple sclerosis". I always think,"I have this disease, I think if behooves me to know everything there is to know about it. You could say, that it has my complete attention".
Ted
Commercials, movies, any great performance of any kind and I was in tears. Sertraline fixed it for me about 10 years ago. MS diagnosed 23 years…
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks for reading Ted! I'm in awe of how many replies I'm getting from people with multiple sclerosis who deal with this.
Ligon Business & Estate Law
It's fascinating how unexpected emotional reactions, like crying during a Disney movie, could potentially be linked to pseudobulbar affect (PBA), especially in the context of multiple sclerosis. Benjamin Hofmeister's personal account sheds light on how MS might impact emotions in surprising ways. This highlights the importance of discussing such symptoms with a healthcare professional, as managing them can significantly improve quality of life. Awareness and early intervention are key in dealing with conditions like PBA.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thank you for the great comment! Yes, the importance of discussing every symptom, no matter how odd it might seem, with a health care provider cannot be overstated.
Dan McGinnis
That is an odd disorder that after about 8 years after my diagnosis with MS, manifested itself. I have been taking Nuedexta since then and it definitely helps. I had to stop taking it when I had COVID and I took the antiviral Paxlovid. I felt very strange the entire week or so and the tears flowed for no reason, so I guess it works. Just another reminder that I have MS. Doing well at year 27 after diagnosis though
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Dan! As though we needed any more reminders that we have multiple sclerosis!
On a side note, I just finished around of paxlovid. Nobody warned me about the horrible aftertaste that seems to linger all day long.
Michele Lawhern
Thank you for your article. I enjoyed reading it very much, I was diagnosed with PBA by a fabulous Neurological PA a few years ago, having already had MS for more than 20 years. After back-to-back exacerbations, apparently this was one of the affects left behind by damage caused new lesions. Finding myself laughing hysterically and uncontrollably, at completely inappropriate times; or crying uncontrollably in the same way was frustrating for me and frightening for my family. Finally I called my neurologist office while in the midst of one of my crying fits, spoke to the P.A. I previously mentioned, if one could call what I was doing talking. Fortunately she is was my God-sent angel, she was able to recognize what was happening.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thank you so much for that comment! That is exactly what I'm going through. Yes, it's extremely frustrating, because it doesn't make sense. I'll definitely be discussing this with my mental health care provider.
Patty Shaffer
I have wondered about this concerning my daughter with MS for some time. She is VERY sensitive and cries over the smallest thing. She has gotten more and more sensitive over time. It even affects her discussions over subjects she is sensitive too. She may start crying if the discussion upsets her in anyway. I have wondered if MS could affect a person's sensitivity and make them more inclined to cry over subjects that aren't typical. Thank you for this insight.
Benjamin Hofmeister
Hi Patty, yes, I think MS makes us more sensitive. If I only teared up at appropriate things, I would just assume that it's the depression that seems to go along with having MS. What prompted me to write the a
Column, was that I laugh and cry at situations where either emotion is completely inappropriate. I don't have a diagnosis yet, but I have an upcoming appointment with mental health and will bring it up for sure.
Thank you for reading and for the comment. I wish your daughter the best!
Anikó Nánai
Ez én esetem sajátságos: túlságosan érzékeny vagyok, nagyon beleélem a problémás helyzetekbe magam, feszít egész nap, mégis képtelen vagyok sírni.
Benjamin Hofmeister
"This is my case: I am too sensitive, I am very involved in problematic situations, I strain all day, yet I am unable to cry".
Thank you for the comment! I don't think I was ever too sensitive. I could cry when the situation was right for crying, but now I cry when the situation is completely inappropriate. An intense moments in a cartoon that should be a moment of joy makes me cry. It is very frustrating and that's why I intend to talk to a mental health professional in a few weeks.
Köszönöm a megjegyzést! Nem hiszem, hogy valaha is túl érzékeny lettem volna. Sírhatnék, amikor a helyzet megfelelő lenne a síráshoz, de most sírok, amikor a helyzet teljesen helytelen. Egy rajzfilm intenzív pillanatai, amelyeknek örömteli pillanatnak kellene lenniük, sírásra késztetnek. Ez nagyon frusztráló, ezért szándékozom néhány héten belül beszélni egy mentálhigiénés szakemberrel.