Coprolalia: The Uncontrollable Impulse To Say Obscenities
When we talk about the rationality of human beings, we often think about our ability to use language, reason through it, and formulate logical arguments through its use. However, language is not totally isolated from the irrational side of the brain’s functioning.
A phenomenon called coprolalia It shows us that, when some changes occur in our nervous system, the involuntary and automatic component on which cognitive functions such as the use of language are based is revealed.
Etymologically, the origin of the term coprolalia It is the union of two Greek words that mean “feces”, and “babble”. Coprolalia or cacolalia is the tendency to say obscene words and phrases impulsively, without having control over itin a sustained manner over time. Normally, these swear words and insulting phrases are pronounced louder than normal, as if they were explosions of rage, and each time this is done a feeling of guilt may appear.
The reason for this is that coprolalia is a pathological tendency related to a type of disinhibition. What cannot be inhibited in cases of coprolalia has to do precisely with words and expressions that are not socially accepted or that are linked to aggressive behaviors. People with this tendency may, for example, insult someone and then immediately show their regret..
Behind coprolalia there is a very stereotyped thought pattern that is repeated many times: attention is drawn to thoughts that have to do with taboo or unpleasant ideas, and then these ideas are expressed verbally immediately, as if they were something irresistible. , and involuntarily.
Coprolalia is a pathological tendency based on impulses towards eschatological verbalizations, but also towards derogatory comments, bad words in general and ideas that are taboo. These verbalizations can be single words or they can be more or less complex phrases.
For example, It is common for many words referring to the genitals or sexual acts to be said in cases of coprolalia.and insults to people who may or may not be around at the time may also appear.
Coprolalia in Tourette Syndrome
Coprolalia is one of the symptoms most associated with Tourette Syndrome, a hereditary disorder in which the person reproduces many verbal and motor tics involuntarily. Unpleasant verbalizations are one of the repetitive and involuntary components of these tics, and coprolalia is one of the symptoms that can generate greater social rejection.
Although less than half of people affected by Tourette Syndrome present coprolalia, as it is one of the most striking symptoms, it has been culturally associated with it, as if it were an essential and inseparable component of the syndrome. In this regard, the case of the Chilean boy Agustín Arenas, “Súper Taldo”, is well known in Latin America, whose verbalizations and tics went viral in the 1990s.
Another phenomenon similar to coprolalia and that is also associated with Tourette Syndrome is copropraxisthe tendency to involuntarily and impulsively make obscene and inappropriate gestures.
Causes of coprolalia
The exact biological cause of coprolalia is currently unknown.that is, the physical and chemical abnormalities in the structure and functioning of the brain that cause these verbalizations to appear. However, it is assumed that coprolalia is produced by the same abnormalities in the functioning of the inhibition mechanisms that cause involuntary tics to appear in people with Tourette Syndrome.
That is to say, hypothetically, people who present coprolalia cannot repress thoughts related to obscenities, and have to express them out loud as if they were operating an escape valve that prevents great discomfort from accumulating as these are inhibited. ideas.
Coping strategies
There is no known form of treatment that guarantees the total disappearance of the signs of coprolalia, and that is why the best way to contribute to improving the quality of life of people who experience it has to be through teaching them coping strategies. That is to say, ways to best manage the presence of coprolalia.
These coping strategies are usually related to finding ways to cushion obscene verbalizations, for example by pronouncing only the first letters of the word to be said or muttering it under your breath. However, in some cases these strategies will not be effective, since it is very difficult to predict when those words will be spoken.
Beyond these methods, a very invasive form of treatment that can reduce the intensity with which coprolalia is expressed is the use of botulinum toxin (botox) near the vocal cords, partially paralyzing them and causing the volume and intensity to decrease. of these outbursts.
