Four Tourette syndrome myths debunked: It's more than just swearing

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of individuals with Tourette syndrome do not constantly swear or engage in inappropriate vocalizations. This common misconception is being addressed by experts, particularly on European Tourette Day, to foster better understanding of the neurological disorder.

Dr. Karen Vertessen, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at UPC KU Leuven, clarifies that involuntary swearing, known as coprolalia, affects a maximum of 10% of people with Tourette's. She notes that this vocal tic, while noticeable, is not the defining characteristic for most. Instead, the 90% of individuals with Tourette's experience other involuntary movements or sounds, referred to as tics.

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It is therefore certainly not the case that swearing is the characteristic symptom of Tourette.

These tics can manifest as motor actions, such as nose twitching or shoulder shrugging, or vocalizations like coughing, sniffing, or throat clearing. Vertessen emphasizes that swearing is just one example of a vocal tic and not the primary symptom of the syndrome. The involuntary nature of these tics stems from a less effective 'automatic brake' in the brain's control center, which normally filters impulses.

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The words you absolutely do not want or are allowed to say are the ones someone with Tourette might unexpectedly blurt out under stress.

Furthermore, when individuals with Tourette's do utter offensive words, it is often misinterpreted as a reflection of their personal opinions or intentions. Vertessen explains that these words, often emotionally charged, are blurted out under stress and do not represent the person's deepest thoughts. She likens it to the brain's impulse control being less effective, leading to the involuntary expression of words that the person might consciously avoid.

Misinterpreting these involuntary outbursts as a lack of willpower or respect is a significant misunderstanding. While behavioral therapy and medication can help manage tics, they do not guarantee complete control. The film 'I Swear' is mentioned as providing insight into the lives of people with Tourette syndrome, aiming to challenge these persistent myths.

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We have a kind of control center in our brain that filters impulses all the time. In people with Tourette, this 'automatic brake' in the brain works less well. As a result, unwanted movements or sounds are not stopped.