The British Journal of Psychiatry 128: 436-441 (1976)
© 1976 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Six cases of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome
SJ Fernando
Six cases of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome are discussed in the light of
conflicting views on the aetiology of the condition. It is hypothesized
that the onset of coprolalia in patients with persistent childhood tics
indicates a disturbances of the normal balance between a need for tension
relief by swearing and a capacity to control such vocal activity. Some
conclusions are drawn on the management of the syndrome by the use of
butyrophenones, massed practice of tics, and the promotion of personality
development. A flexible approach geared to the individual patient's
particular needs is recommended.