The two sides of pseudo-bulbar disorder in multiple sclerosis: Comparing one patient's experience with a review of the neurologic literature

Abstract

A significant number of people with multiple sclerosis experience pathological laughing and weeping. This article presents two perspectives on these symptoms. First, the neurological literature is reviewed. Then, the patient's perspective is described in an essay written by a man who lives with pathological laughing and weeping, and his evaluations of the apparent costs and surprising benefits of these symptoms. Finally, psychological theories are discussed which link these two perspectives.