Excessive Crying

What is it?

Crying is a normal human emotional response; excessive or uncontrollable crying that is disproportionate to the situation is clinically significant. Major depression is the most common cause — crying spells, persistent sadness, and anhedonia are cardinal symptoms. Postpartum depression affects 10–15% of new mothers within the first year and requires prompt treatment. Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurological syndrome characterized by involuntary, uncontrollable outbursts of crying (or laughter) in patients with neurological conditions such as ALS, MS, traumatic brain injury, or stroke — the emotional expression is disproportionate and incongruent with actual mood. Hormonal causes include premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and perimenopause.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Crying spells with hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, or inability to function — seek immediate help
• 2Postpartum crying and sadness lasting more than 2 weeks — postpartum depression, not "baby blues"
• 3Crying that is involuntary, rapid-onset, and not congruent with mood in a patient with neurological disease — possible PBA
• 4Crying that is new and cannot be attributed to a recent loss or stressor
• 5Excessive crying with weight changes, temperature intolerance, fatigue — screen for thyroid disease

What you can do

• ✓Identify and process the underlying emotional cause with a therapist or counselor
• ✓Maintain regular sleep, exercise, and social connection — all buffer mood dysregulation
• ✓Mindfulness-based techniques help reduce emotional reactivity and crying spells
• ✓Reduce alcohol — a CNS depressant that worsens emotional dysregulation
• ✓Track mood patterns and triggers — a diary helps identify treatable causes like PMDD

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions