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Generating Acute and Chronic Experimental Models of Motor Tic Expression in Rats
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Coprophenomena in Tourette syndrome.

Roger D Freeman1, Samuel H Zinner, Kirsten R Müller-Vahl

  • 1University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. rfreeman@cw.bc.ca

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|February 3, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Coprophenomena, such as involuntary socially unacceptable words or gestures, occur in about one in five individuals with Tourette syndrome. These symptoms often emerge years after tics begin and are associated with other repetitive behaviors.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics.
  • Coprophenomena, including coprolalia (involuntary swearing) and copropraxia (involuntary inappropriate gestures), are often feared but poorly understood aspects of Tourette syndrome.
  • Prevalence and associated factors of coprophenomena require further investigation for improved patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of coprophenomena in a large international cohort of individuals with Tourette syndrome.
  • To investigate the associations between coprophenomena and other Tourette syndrome symptoms and behaviors.
  • To explore the onset and persistence patterns of coprophenomena.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive study utilizing data from the Tourette Syndrome International Database Consortium.
  • Analysis of a specialized data collection form from 597 new Tourette syndrome patients across 15 international sites.
  • Statistical examination of lifetime prevalence, age of onset, and correlations with other symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Lifetime prevalence of coprolalia was 19.3% in males and 14.6% in females; copropraxia was 5.9% in males and 4.9% in females.
  • Coprophenomena onset averaged around age 11, typically 5 years after tic onset, and were initial symptoms in 11-12% of cases.
  • Strong correlations were found between coprophenomena onset and tics, smelling non-food objects, and spitting; robust associations existed with non-tic repetitive behaviors and inappropriate sexual behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Coprophenomena affect approximately one in five individuals with Tourette syndrome, contrary to common fears.
  • Early onset of coprophenomena does not predict longer persistence.
  • Further prospective research is essential for better counseling and prognostic information regarding coprophenomena in Tourette syndrome.