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Labile affectis a condition that affects how a person expresses their emotions.
A person with this condition might display or show inappropriate emotions in specific situations.
For instance, you might find them laughing or smiling at a funeral or during a sad occasion.
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Labile affect is also characterized bysudden and noticeable mood swings.
At a Glance
Labile affect is usually a symptom of an underlying condition.
Keep reading to learn the symptoms, causes, and treatments for labile affect.
Symptoms of a Labile Affect
A labile affect ranges in severity and symptoms.
The word “labile” specifically means constantly going through change.
Labile affect is a lot more severe than simply experiencing mood swings.
For some people, it could significantly disrupt their personal lives.
They will experience frequent and sudden mood swings and, sometimes, could even be aggressive.
With psychotic conditions,delusionsand hallucinations could make a person express emotions inappropriately.
These medications include some antidepressants and oral corticosteroids.
Identifying a Labile Affect
No particular test can be used to diagnose a labile affect.
It could also be due to suffering a severe traumatic brain injury.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will order a set of routine tests.
If an underlying condition is causing your labile affect, youll be treated for that condition.
However, having occasional mood swings doesnt mean you have a labile affect.
People experiencing this symptom are prone to sudden and extreme mood swings and could have violent tantrums.
However, with the proper treatment, they can function relatively well in their day-to-day life.
Treatment for labile affect typically depends on whats causing it.
If an underlying condition triggers it, treating the disorder could cause labile effect symptoms to diminish.
In mild cases, this condition might not even need treatment.
Many people express inappropriate emotions in certain situations from time to time.
However, if you are experiencing labile moods often, speak to your doctor about it.
Either medication or therapy could be used to treat a labile affect.
Often a combination of both will be considered.
Medication
Medication is prescribed to treat labile affect per a persons specific needs.
Things like the severity of your conditions and other existing conditions you might have will be considered.
Types of therapy that may be effective includecognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) anddialectical behavior therapy(DBT).
Paying closer attention to your emotional response to specific situations will help you cope with a labile affect.
Taking slow and controlled breaths could decrease the severity of labile moods.
Distract Yourself
When going through a labile mood, you could also attempt to distract yourself.
If you are in a situation you think might be triggering, you should remove yourself from that situation.
Seek Support
Tell your close friends and family about what you are going through.
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