Pathological laughing and crying.
OBJECTIVE
To review the clinical features, neurobiological correlates and treatment of pathological laughing and crying.


METHODS
Selective literature review.


RESULTS
Attacks of involuntary, irresistible laughing or crying have long been recognised as sequelae of brain damage. There is controversy about the clinical features of these attacks, the stimuli that provoke them and their relation to affective disorder. The pathophysiology of pathological laughing and crying is still unclear. It can occur in the presence of focal as well as diffuse brain disease. Treatment with antidepressant medications has been found to be of benefit in patients with cerebrovascular disease and multiple sclerosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should remain vigilant for these symptoms, and offer effective treatments, such as antidepressants, where indicated. Further research is needed to delineate the underlying neurobiological correlates of pathological laughing and crying. The efficacy of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions requires critical evaluation.
Department of Psychiatry, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
F L
FL
Dark
J J
JJ
McGrath
M A
MA
Ron
D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D003448:Crying / Q000502:physiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007845:Laughter / Q000502:physiology; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology