In the dimly lit corners of a bustling restaurant, amid the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation, a man’s laughter rises above the din. It is not the laughter of joy or amusement, but rather an uncontrollable, jarring cackle that draws uncomfortable looks from nearby diners.
This is a daily reality for people like Scott Lotan of Virginia Beach, who live with Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) – a neurological condition characterized by involuntary and inappropriate outbursts of laughter or crying.
The condition, which affects countless people worldwide, has recently been thrust into the spotlight by the portrayal of Arthur Fleck, the titular character in the hit film ‘Joker’ and its anticipated sequel.
Played by Joaquin Phoenix, Fleck’s struggle with PBA becomes a central theme in the story, resonating with those who experience similar symptoms in real life.
For Scott Lotan, PBA is more than just a plot device; it is a huge challenge that makes the simplest daily activities difficult.
His experiences, such as refusing service in restaurants or unintentionally provoking confrontations, highlight the social stigma and misunderstandings surrounding the condition. Public perception of PBA is often confused, with many mistaking laughter as mockery or insensitivity.
“I’ve had issues with not being served in restaurants and being asked to leave because the waitstaff didn’t feel comfortable,” he previously told LadBible. “When I go out for drinks with friends, there’s often someone with low self-esteem who thinks I’m making fun of them and will try to start a fight.”
The condition gained even more attention when Lotan recounted the harrowing experience of laughing uncontrollably at the scene of a tragic car accident that killed his mother and fiancée.
“I remember laughing at the scene and being questioned by the police,” he said.
The incident, which took place in 2003, underlines the profound impact PBA can have on personal tragedies, often leaving those affected feeling isolated in their grief.
“During the wake for both my mother and my fiancé, I had to separate myself from everyone because I sometimes burst out laughing.”
PBA is commonly associated with other neurological conditions, such as brain injury, multiple sclerosis and stroke. It results from disruptions in the neural pathways that regulate emotional expression, leading to episodes that do not match the individual’s actual feelings.
Although treatment options, including medication and therapy, can help manage symptoms, there is currently no cure for PBA.
The portrayal of PBA in ‘Joker’ has opened a dialogue about the condition and offers a rare opportunity for awareness and understanding.
As the sequel to ‘Joker’ draws closer, it is hoped that the conversation surrounding PBA and similar circumstances will continue, promoting empathy and support for people like Scott Lotan, who navigate life with laughter in the shadows.
