Madagascar - Melman - Hypochondriac

An inside look on the character of Melman.

1. Dreamworks - Madagascar Jackie Herrmann- Psych101 Starring : Melman- the hypochondriac

2. Madagascar - Zoo animals on an adventure! Gloria- a happy hippo Alex- a brave lion Marty- the ambitious zebra Melman- the hypochondriac giraffe

3. Hypochondriasis Excessive fear of contracting an illness. symptoms May vary-common symptoms are Frequent doctors visits All with the same diagnosis- Normal test results Constant stress leading to anxiety or panic attacks. Compulsive behaviour, dizziness, repeatedly going over thoughts. Physical symptoms without physical cause.

4. Living in the New york city zoo has given Melman the resources he thought he needed to survive. MRI scans, a concoction of medication, and constant medical care . The catch- He is perfectly healthy. They give him vitamins and supplements. He always worries about a life threatening disease he could get. Hypochondriasis is shown in full form in his actions and dialogue.

5. Compulsive behaviours Melman showed signs of compulsive behaviour when he went into the restroom at the subway station and came out with a toilet cleaner in his mouth. He thought it was a mint. As soon as he found out that it was not a mint he spit that thing out and scraped his tongue with his hoof. He was mortified. Anxiety Melman always thought on the negative side. Every slight ache he felt he thought he was going to die. Literally. Alex the lion asked his friends what Connecticut had to offer and the first words out of Melmans mouth was Lyme disease Examples of Melmans Hypochondriasis symptons:

6. When Melman realizes he is no longer in the comfort of his own enclosure he goes into a panic attack. “Zoo transfer?! Oh, no, no, no. I can’t be transferred. I have an appointment with Doctor Goldberg at five. There are prescriptions that have to be filled! No other zoo can afford my medical care! And I am not going HMO!” They have never made a diagnosis on any of his symptoms. It is a psychological issue. Melman has lived in the New York Zoo since he was a young giraffe. The thought of the “Wild” makes him shake with worry.

7. When the crew finally made it to Madagascar, they hear a strange noise coming from the jungle. It is the local animals having a party! First thing that Melman says when he sees them is, “I just counted twenty six invade health violations! Twenty seven!” He is constantly worried about his health.

8. Melman . All in all, he is a sweet, loyal, nervous, anxious, and funny giraffe. His friends know about his psychological disorder and treat him with kindness and patience. We can learn a thing or two from a giraffe, hippo, lion, and zebra. Never treat someone differently just because they are not like you. Love them for who they are and they will do the same in return. Story for illustration purposes only

9. Work cited: Rottentomatoes.com - Quotes Mayoclinic.com - Hypochondria symptons