Use of Escitalopram for pseudobulbar affect following severe traumatic brain injury: a case report

Authors

  • Muhammad Faisal Amir Malik Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Mahmood Ali Khan Jafri Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Asad Tamizuddin Nizami Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.5528

Abstract

Those who have suffered from traumatic brain injury (TBI) often develop behavioural, affective, and cognitive complications. Some might experience episodes of involuntary and/or exaggerated laughter and crying. This condition is commonly known as ‘pseudobulbar affect’(PBA) and leads to anger, frustration, and social disability. This case report presents the use of low-dose Escitalopram in an individual suffering from agitation and PBA following severe TBI (sTBI). It emphasises the importance of adopting a holistic approach in the treatment of such individuals with appropriate attention paid to factors such as cognitive and behavioural impairment, and caregiver distress.

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, antidepressants, agitation, pseudobulbar affect, involuntary emotional expression disorder.

Published

2023-02-15

How to Cite

Malik, M. F. A., Jafri, M. A. K., & Asad Tamizuddin Nizami. (2023). Use of Escitalopram for pseudobulbar affect following severe traumatic brain injury: a case report. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 73(2), 416–418. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.5528

Issue

Section

Case Report