Course: Psych 110 2nd Sem, AY 2021-2022

Submitted by: Gladness Angel E. Escobal Date: Aug 26, 2023

Pseudobulbar Affect in Neurodegenerative Diseases:

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

I. Statement of the Problem

a. Research topic
 Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS), Multiple
Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

b. Research problem
 The lack of precisely estimated prevalence of Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) in
neurological disorders, especially neurodegenerative diseases like
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's
Disease (AD), and Parkinson's Disease (PD). This knowledge gap hampers
effective recognition and treatment of PBA, impacting patients' quality of life
and social interactions.

Did the research problem clearly describe and support the research topic?
 Yes. The research problem effectively conveys and supports the research
topic.

c. Research Objectives
 1.) It aims to assess the prevalence of the Pseudobulbar Affects in four
neurodegenerative diseases, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS),
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Parkinson’s disease
(PD).

Did the research objectives clearly describe and support the research problem?
 Yes, the research objectives clearly describe and support the research
problem.

II. Review of the Literature (Identify and explain how the literature justifies the problem
and leads to the research objectives(s)

The article looked into the following concepts leading to the research questions
regarding the prevalence of Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) in neurological disorders,
especially neurogenerative diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple
Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Prevalence and Diagnosis Challenges:

The literature underscores PBA's prevalence in neurological disorders,
particularly ALS, MS, AD, and PD. The article justifies research goals by noting PBA's
frequent misdiagnosis or oversight, linked to its overlap with depression and
neurocognitive issues. The disconnect between inner emotions and outward expressions
adds complexity. Given the substantial depression-PBA overlap, the research objectives
gain importance for precise diagnosis and better patient care.

Psychological and Social Impact:

The article emphasizes the profound psychological and social consequences of
PBA. It outlines how PBA can significantly affect social interactions, potentially leading to
misunderstandings and emotional distress. This observation underscores the broader
societal implications of PBA, adding a dimension of urgency to understanding and
managing the condition effectively.

III. Your Insights gained - at least 2 insights (What insights did you gain from the
article as a whole and in abnormal psychology- relate your answer to the article and in
abnormal psychology)

1. Through further research, I remember the case of an iconic villain, Joker. In the
movie, the pseudobulbar affect profoundly affects Joker's life (PBA). PBA leads
to Joker experiencing uncontrollable bouts of laughter, even when laughter is
inappropriate or unwarranted. His laughter becomes disconnected from his true
feelings, causing confusion and concern among those around him. As a result,
Joker's relationships and social interactions start to crumble. People
misunderstand his laughter, perceiving it as insensitivity or madness rather than
realizing it's a symptom of an underlying neurological condition. This
misinterpretation isolates Joker further and adds to his already complex
psychological struggles. Joker's attempts to explain his condition are met with
skepticism or fear, as PBA is not widely understood. This lack of awareness
heightens his feelings of alienation as he grapples with a situation that is invisible
to others and difficult for them to empathize with. The film portrays how Joker's
life spirals into chaos due to the erratic nature of PBA.

2. Mental illnesses and neurological disorders are complex and varied, affecting
thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Misidentifying them, like mistaking
depression for sadness or, like in Joker's case with PBA, can lead to serious
harm, even self-harm. Further research is crucial to understand these conditions
better, develop accurate diagnostic criteria, and educate healthcare providers
and the public. This research helps tailor treatments, acknowledging that one
size doesn't fit all. The goal is to prevent misidentification, ensuring timely and
appropriate interventions that improve lives and prevent unnecessary suffering.

Note: Submit the copy of the journal article or the link of the journal article.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0967586822001679