coprolalia
Pronunciation: kop-ruh-LAY-lee-uh
The involuntary utterance of obscene or inappropriate words, most commonly associated with Tourette syndrome.
Full Definition
Coprolalia is a neuropsychiatric symptom characterized by the sudden, involuntary vocalization of socially inappropriate words, typically obscenities or sexual references. While popularly associated with Tourette syndrome in media portrayals, coprolalia actually occurs in only 10-15% of individuals with Tourette syndrome. The symptom can also manifest in other conditions including some forms of dementia, stroke, and certain psychiatric disorders. It is important to distinguish coprolalia from voluntary profanity or behavioral outbursts, as the vocalizations in coprolalia are truly involuntary and often cause significant distress to the individual experiencing them.
Usage
Usage note: Often misspelled as 'copralalia'; ensure proper spelling in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's coprolalia was misunderstood by school staff as intentional disruptive behavior." — Case study
- "Contrary to popular belief, coprolalia affects only a minority of patients with Tourette syndrome." — Medical journal article