Coprolalia and other coprophenomena

Abstract

Coprolalia has been a recognized symptom of Tourette syndrome from the first description of the syndrome. Copropraxia is seen less frequently and almost always occurs in association with coprolalia. Prevalence of coprolalia varies from 8% in primary pediatric practices to over 60% in tertiary referral centers. Coprolalia tends to peak in severity during adolescence and to wane during adulthood. The pathogenesis may be related to dysfunction of basal ganglionic and limbic mini-circuits. Coprolalia has also been seen in a variety of other neurologic disorders. Treatment is primarily pharmacologic with dopamine-blocking agents.