The Joker character, one of the main villains of the DC Comics Universe, has uncontrollable laughter and insanity as his hallmarks. The character’s psychiatric disorders will once once more be present in the sequel to the film, which is scheduled for release in 2024.
The name of the production, Joker: Folie à Deux, refers to a psychiatric syndrome in which hallucinations and delusions are shared between two or more individuals. According to neuroscientist Fabiano de Abreu Agrela, the syndrome is rare, but it can affect mainly women.
“Folie à Deux, or induced psychotic disorder, is a very rare syndrome, and therefore little known. It occurs when a psychotic subject, called the primary inducer, affects third parties, considered secondary subjects, with their delusions and hallucinations”, explains Agrela.
In this case, the primary inductor is the Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who imposes the delusions on Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga. Identifying who in the relationship has the primary psychosis is important, as the person with the secondary disorder does not tend to hold delusional beliefs when separated from the inducer.
“Typically, the disorder affects women or happens between mothers and children, but it can also occur with any individuals who have a close relationship. Often, but not exclusively, it can be caused by confinement, or environments with little outside influence”, clarifies the neuroscientist.
The diagnosis of induced psychotic disorder is made by a psychiatrist through the observation of the signs presented by the two individuals and the analysis of coexistence. Psychotherapy and therapy can often help people with Folie à Deux. Another important treatment measure is to separate the two people and, if necessary, use antipsychotic medications.
joker syndrome
The clown of crime, as the Joker is called, presents since its origin the uncontrollable laughter in not funny situations. This is a rare neurological condition called pseudobulbar syndrome (PBA).
In addition to fits of laughter that can last much longer than normal and go beyond the comfortable limit, people suffering from the disorder can also react with deep tears to everyday situations.
It is important to highlight that PBA has no cure, but there are medications that can help the patient to control the bouts of laughter. It is also important to be aware of the laughter that appears in a person who refuses to face reality and takes everything as a joke: this is a psychic reaction used to face specific situations.
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