An impulsive and extreme form of expressiveness, this is how labile people feel. Emotional lability has to do with a lack of control of emotions, that is, it is the inability to express oneself in a habitual or current way. Instead, those who present with this condition, since it is neither a disease nor a disorder, express their emotional state in a disproportionate and exaggerated way. They cannot regulate their basic feelings.
It could be confused with bipolar disorder, but, unlike bipolar disorder, emotional lability is not a pathology. In fact, it can form part of the symptoms of certain disabling diseases. Such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia or autism. In any case, it is important to identify it in order to act appropriately.
The signs that could alert to the presence of emotional lability are quite specific and, as a whole, would require a visit to a medical center. One of the traits of a labile person is that they manifest sudden changes in their emotional state. As well as having a continuous feeling of lack of control of their emotions. These people may burst into tears or laugh exaggeratedly in situations that do not seem to correspond to this reaction.
In the first place, in the event that there are reasonable doubts about the possibility of presenting this condition, it will be a qualified medical professional who must confirm said diagnosis. Identifying emotional lability is essential because it is something that affects people’s lives. It can cause anxiety and depression problems, resulting in disabling from a personal, social and work point of view.
If a doctor has confirmed the diagnosis, treatment will need to be initiated, usually a combination of psychological therapy and pharmacological intervention. Although they can also occur one or the other separately. In the first case, it will be necessary to help the person to acquire skills and tools to be able to regulate and control their emotions from a cognitive-behavioral point of view. This is usually the first option, but if it is not effective, a pharmacological treatment is added.
The origin of emotional lability can be very diverse. It is related from brain alterations or head injuries to substance use or even very high stress levels. As well as traumatic experiences that have been lived. It will also be important for treatment to identify these causes.
