If there’s a standout feature about Joaquin Phoenix’s rendition of Joker in the eponymous film, it’s his mechanical, joyless laughter. Arthur Fleck played by Phoenix is said to have a neurological condition, which makes him break into bouts of uncontrollable laughter often at inappropriate moments. So every time he has a fit in public, he hands out a card explaining his neurological condition. For movie-goers, the disease may seem bizarre or made up. But it isn’t. The condition is called Pathological Laughter and Crying or PLC. And Phoenix himself revealed that he studied real people who have the neurological condition to perfect his maniacal laughter. Here’s everything you should know about PLC. Joker: 5 Best Scenes from this Joaquin Phoenix Starrer that are Brilliant and Terrifying at the Same Time (Spoilers Ahead).

What is Joker’s Laughing Condition Called?

Joker’s condition is called Pathological Laughter or Crying (PLC). It’s also known as pseudobulbar affect. It is a neurological condition defined by episodes of uncontrolled laughter or crying. Often, these bouts are not triggered by any funny or upsetting stimulus. People with PLC often laugh out loud or cry for no apparent reason.

Sometimes, the person’s response may be contrary to the stimulus. The patient may laugh in response to sad news or cry after listening to a joke. Often, the laughter might turn into crying and vice versa. PLC is a “disorder of emotional expression” not a mood disorder. Joker Movie Review: Joaquin Phoenix Redefines This Iconic DC Villain With a Beautifully Disturbing Tale.

What Are Its Characteristics?

Three qualities characterise an episode of pathological laughing and crying:

  • The attacks may be sudden and uncontrollable like a seizure.

  • The episode may last a few seconds or several minutes.

  • The outburst may take place many times in a day.

What Are Its Causes?

Researchers are still in the process of fully understanding the condition and its causes. The primary reason, according to early researchers, pathological laughter and crying is caused by bilateral lesions in the areas of the brain that carry out motor functions. These lesions cause a loss of control over emotions.

It’s also seen in people who have suffered brain injuries, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, PANDAS and Parkinson’s disease. Hichki: What is Tourette syndrome? Read These Facts Before You Watch The Movie!

How Does It Affect Social Life?

Those who don’t understand the condition may misinterpret the person’s sudden laughter or cry as rudeness. It could embarrass the patient, leading to social withdrawal or depression. It can also inhibit them from working and earning a livelihood, making them depend on caregivers.

How Is It Treated?

PLC needs to be treated with a multipronged drug approach. Various drugs are used in the management of pathological laughter and crying. Drugs used in the treatment of neurological disorders like dopaminergics, tricyclics, dextromethorphan and quinidine are used. Antidepressants may be used to manage mood disorders in patients.

If pathological laughing and crying persists over a year, it tends to become long-lasting. Further research is needed to understand how and why the condition develops.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 06, 2019 06:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).