Pseudobulbar Palsy Vs. Major Depressive Disorder

Pseudobulbar Palsy is frequently misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder.

What is major depressive disorder (MDD)?

MDD is a very common mental disorder in the United States. A health professional can make a MDD diagnosis based on your symptoms, behaviors and feelings. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders you must have five or more symptoms, and experience them at least once a day for a period of more than two weeks. Some of the symptoms involve things such as:

1. Feeling sad or irritable
2. Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
3. Sudden weight change or appetite
4. Sleep problems
5. Restlessness
6. Lack of energy
7. The feeling of worthlessness or being guilty
8. Difficulty executing mental tasks such as concentration, thinking or decision-making
9. Suicidal thoughts

What is Pseudobulbar Palsy?

Pseudobulbar Palsy is also known as involuntary emotional expression disorder. It affects your ability to control the muscles in your face, mouth and throat. These muscles affect your speaking, eating and swallowing functions. It may also be accompanied by crying or laughing uncontrollably, which is known as “emotional incontinence.”

MDD is often confused with pseudobulbar palsy because the symptoms can result in exaggerated changes in your mood and emotional lability. This can make you feel like you have no control over your emotions, and that your outward expressions do not match your inward emotions.

Since there is currently no cure for pseudobulbar palsy, it’s important to contact a doctor like Dr. Teresa O to accurately diagnose and treat whatever disease is causing your condition. Contact New York Facial Paralysis Diagnosis, Medical and Surgical Treatment today!