Anushka Shetty Diagnosed With Pseudobulbar Affect, Here's Everything About The 'Laughing Disorder'

Sweety Shetty, popularly known by her stage name, Anushka Shetty, is one of the prominent actresses in the South Indian film industry. The actress made her acting debut with the film, Super in 2005 and has since been giving back-to-back hits. Anushka proved her versatility with films like Vikramarkudu, Lakshyam, Souryam, Chintakayala Ravi, Arundhati, Vedam, Vettaikaaran, Singam, Singam II, Yennai Arindhaal, the Baahubali series, and many others.

Apart from her exceptional acting skills, Anushka is also hailed for her beauty. Though she keeps her life away from the media glares, the actress’ name has often been linked with her co-stars. The most prominent name often linked with Anushka is South sensation, Prabhas. Ever since the duo has starred in Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, their on-screen chemistry has become the talk of the town. But the two stars have always maintained the stance of being each other’s good friends.

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And now, Anushka is leading all the headlines once again as the actress recently revealed suffering from a rare neurological condition, known medically as pseudobulbar affect (PBA). Referred to as ‘laughing disease’, pseudobulbar affect is characterised by uncontrollable bouts of laughter and crying.

Anushka Shetty’s struggle with pseudobulbar affect, AKA rare laughing disease

The actress had previously talked about her struggles with her neurological condition. The actress has revealed that she has been facing the symptoms of PBA. During an interview with Indiaglitz, Anushka Shetty talked about facing PBA and the challenges she faces. Speaking about the same, she said:

“I have a laughing disease. You might wonder, ‘Is laughing a problem?’ For me, it is. If I start laughing, I can’t stop for 15 to 20 minutes. While watching or shooting comedy scenes, I literally roll on the floor laughing, and the shoot has been halted many times.”

What is Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)?

Pseudobulbar affect is a neurological condition in which the person suffering from it feels uncontrollable and experiences sudden episodes of laughter and crying. These emotional outbursts don’t occur at a particular time and happen even during inappropriate times. It can be humiliating and embarrassing for the person suffering from it, as people often misinterpret their emotions.

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Symptoms of Pseudobulbar Affect

Pseudobulbar affect often goes undiagnosed and is mistaken as mood swings. The primary symptom of PBA is exaggerated laughing and crying in situations which are not connected to one’s emotional state. Laughter turns into crying which lasts for a long period of time. More than laughter, crying is a common sign of PBA.

Since PBA involves crying, people often misread it as depression. But unlike depression, there is no sleep deprivation or loss of appetite. However, depression is very common in people suffering from PBA.

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What are the causes of the Pseudobulbar Affect?

PBA is associated with neurological disorders or injuries that affect the brain, including stroke, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson's. An interruption in the neurological pathway that regulates emotions leads to a PBA. The person suffering from it will show a completely opposite emotion to what they feel or will portray exaggerated feelings.

Impact of Pseudobulbar Affect

A person suffering from PBA faces a significant impact on his social life as uncontrollable episodes of laughter and crying lead to embarrassment.  It can also lead to isolation and anxiety. The prolonged duration of laughter and crying bout can be physically and emotionally exhausting. PBA can be treated with medication and counselling.

Most PBA cases go unnoticed because of a lack of awareness. However, Anushka Shetty’s bold move to talk about it is commendable. Dealing with PBA can be quite taxing for a celebrity like Anushka Shetty, who often stays in the public eye.

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