Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a condition that's characterized by episodes of sudden uncontrollable and inappropriate laughing or crying. Pseudobulbar effect typically occurs in people with certain neurological conditions or injuries, which might affect the way the brain controls emotions.

Why do I cry without realizing it?

Crying is a normal emotional response to many different factors. However, frequent, uncontrollable, or unexplained crying can be emotionally and physically exhausting and can greatly affect daily life. This type of crying may result from a mental health condition, such as burnout, anxiety, or depression.

Can you subconsciously cry?

These episodes may be frequent, involuntary, and uncontrollable, and they may seem exaggerated and disconnected from your emotional state at the time. Research suggests that unexplained crying is more common in PBA than laughter, which is why the condition is commonly misdiagnosed as depression.