Emotional lability is a pathology of the nervous system that is characterized by an unstable mood and its change. The main feature of the pathology is that it occurs under the influence of events that do not imply a vivid reaction. Of course, the norm problem in psychiatry still remains, therefore, before making a diagnosis of “emotional lability”, one must take into account the structure of a person’s temperament and his age. So, a similar feature of the nervous system in adolescents does not always refer to pathology: hormonal surges and the problem of socialization, as well as the general formation of personality, can occur with nervous and emotional instability. Here it is necessary to take into account the radical nature of manifestations relative to the norm, however, the norm, again, does not have clear boundaries.
General characteristics and symptoms
Lability of the nervous system is one of its properties in differential psychology. This means the rate of occurrence and termination of nervous processes, and in general lability is called functional mobility.
Emotional lability can reach a high degree in its manifestation, up to affective explosiveness.
Traits of other types may overlap on it:
- Hysteroid.
- Unstable.
- Sensitive.
Labile-affective psychopathy can be combined with manifestations of the above types.
The following features and conditions are characteristic of it:
- The occurrence of affective outbreaks for a minor reason: they quickly occur and quickly pass;
- Change of angry state with tears;
- Lack of gross aggression;
- Accompanied by passion perform: cry, swearing, throwing things, moaning.
- Frequent change of mood leads to restlessness and lack of focus, as well as a quick change of interests (therefore, conflicts and problems often occur in the family, at work, in school).
- Lack of an adequate assessment of their behavior.
Emotional lability in asthenic syndrome
This state of emotional background is characteristic of many diseases. For example, it is almost always accompanied by neurotisms. However, more attention should be paid to the emotional lability that occurs under the influence of asthenic syndrome, because here its manifestations occur more often than others.
Emotionally labile asthenic disorder occurs as a result of discirculatory encephalopathy, as well as after some time (1-2 years) after traumatic brain injury.
Asthenic manifestations are observed in individuals who attempted suicide, which probably occurred against the background of emotional lability. Asthenic syndrome and emotional instability are two symptoms that together give a depressive state, accompanied by a sudden cry or laugh.
They can occur after a person has undergone anesthesia, encephalitis, as well as with brain tumors.
Emotional lability also occurs with a number of other diseases that are associated with impaired functioning of the brain vessels:
- Atherosclerosis.
- Hypertension or hypotension.
- Thromboangiitis.
Vegetative-vascular dystonia in acute manifestations can lead to emotional lability. In this case, there are sudden states of tenderness and sentimentality, as well as increased tearfulness due to emotional states.
How to treat
Of course, treatment mainly depends on the cause. For example, with emotional lability accompanied by an asthenic state, general strengthening therapy, an increase in the time and quality of rest, and also sedatives are indicated .
Without setting and curing the cause-disease, it is impossible to stabilize the excited emotionality, so the main therapy is aimed specifically at the "source".
To alleviate the state of emotional lability, sedative teas and antidepressants (for example, tea from valerian root) should be taken.