Psychiatrist explains why some people hate horror films: 'cinematic neurosis'
Psychiatrist Carmine Pariante shares his personal experience with horror-induced fear and explains the concept of 'cinematic neurosis', which can cause PTSD-like symptoms.
Personal Experience
Psychiatrist Carmine Pariante from King's College London recalls that at age six, after watching a werewolf transformation in the film 'Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein', he was so terrified that his parents had to carry him away from the TV. This incident sparked a lifelong fear of horror films, darkness, and being alone.
Cinematic Neurosis
Pariante explains that an intense and lasting reaction to a film is called cinematic neurosis – a condition meeting the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, in 2007 a woman known as Ms X sought emergency care after watching 'The Exorcist', convinced she was possessed.
Why Horror Is Popular?
Despite his own fears, the horror genre is highly profitable – in North America it earned about 70% more in 2023 than a decade earlier. Pariante notes that horror allows people to experience fear in a safe environment without real consequences, similar to children's fairy tales.
Neurobiology and Childhood Factors
Research shows that some people's amygdala (fear center) does not respond to horror, such as patient SM whose amygdala was damaged. Children under seven cannot reliably distinguish fantasy from reality, and high empathy or fantasy empathy increases the risk of trauma. Another factor is prior emotional difficulties at home.
How to Overcome Fear?
Pariante suggests looking behind the camera: imagine the camera operator, director, and crew, which helps return to reality. He uses this technique himself to control his fears.
