The primary sign of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is frequent, involuntary and uncontrollable outbursts of crying or laughing that are exaggerated or not connected to your emotional state. Laughter often turns to tears. Your mood will appear normal between episodes, which can occur at any time.

Why does my laughing turn into crying?

Others theorize people cry while laughing because of too much pressure around the tear ducts due to the body shaking during strong laughter. These tears are called reflex tears, which occur when the eyes come in contact with an irritant such as a strong gust of wind or the aroma of a freshly sliced onion.

Is pseudobulbar affect a mental illness?

How is pseudobulbar affect (PBA) diagnosed? Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) tends to go undiagnosed, underdiagnosed, or is misdiagnosed as a type of mood disorder, especially as depression. This is especially the case when crying is the emotion more commonly expressed.