(NEW YORK) Researchers at the Ethel Mertz Institute of Behavioral Science have undertak en the first study of the chronic and socially debilitating condition known as “Sidekick Syndrome.” For years, the syndrome was thought to affect only high-risk individuals, such as supporting characters on TV sitcoms. But researchers now believe that the psychological condition has been under-diagnosed in the gen eral population.

Those suffering from Sidekick Syndrome exhib it an extreme interest in the life of a more charismatic friend (“MCF”), unusual suscepti bility to that friend’s influence, and a high er than average tolerance for humiliation and abuse. According to researchers, many histori cal figures and celebrities who were long regarded as boring or useless are now believed to have been victims of Sidekick Syndrome. The list of famous sufferers includes Ed McMahon, many vice presidents, and William Shakespeare’s oft-forgotten friend “What’s-in-a-Name?” who, historians say, never complained about being stuck with the pub tab whenever the playwright claimed he left his purse in his other pan taloons.

Dr. Gilda Morgenstern, lead researcher of the Mertz Institute study, revealed that her own mother, Rhoda, suffered for years with Sidekick Syndrome.

“Rhoda lived in the shadow of a slimmer, perkier friend who was able to turn the world on with her smile and take a nothing day and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile,” said Dr. Morgenstern. “The stress took its toll. Rhoda sought refuge in food addiction, yo-yo dieting, and a disastrous marriage to a guy who was bet ter looking than herself. Her low self-esteem finally resulted in a total loss of identity, as symbolized by her refusal to wear anything but the anonymous ‘Scarsdale Burqa’—a color ful but shapeless caftan and tightly wrapped headscarf.  …