Daijiworld Media Network - Rishikesh

Rishikesh, Nov 7: The growing casual use of offensive language in everyday conversations may not always be a reflection of loosening social boundaries—experts warn it could, in some cases, point to a neurological condition known as Tourette Syndrome (TS).

According to psychiatrists at AIIMS Rishikesh, the number of young adults between 20 and 40 showing symptoms of involuntary verbal outbursts—sometimes involving profanity—is increasing. The syndrome, caused by an imbalance in the brain’s basal ganglia circuit, leads to involuntary tics and vocalisations, including swearing, known medically as coprolalia.

Dr Ravi Gupta, Head of Psychiatry at AIIMS Rishikesh, explained the concerning trend. “Occasional swearing during stress or anger is common. However, when a person starts using abusive words in normal or even happy situations, it could signal a deeper neurological issue,” he said. “This happens when the brain’s basal ganglia circuit, which controls motor and verbal impulses, becomes unstable.”

The AIIMS Psychiatry Outpatient Department now identifies two to three suspected cases of Tourette Syndrome every month, according to hospital sources. While the disorder has traditionally been seen in children, doctors say it is increasingly emerging among adults, affecting both speech and movement control.

Dr Gupta further noted that the frontal cortex—responsible for reasoning and impulse regulation—is also affected in many cases. “We used to see such symptoms in children who suddenly started using abusive language or making strange noises. Now, similar patterns are surfacing in adults,” he added.

Although diagnosis is primarily clinical, doctors sometimes rely on MRI or CT scans to rule out other neurological issues. “There’s no identifiable physical cause yet, but brain imaging helps us ensure the problem isn’t linked to another condition,” Dr Gupta explained.

Highlighting the emotional strain of the disorder, Dr Nisha Singla, Senior Psychiatrist at the District Hospital, said that involuntary swearing severely impacts self-esteem. “Patients feel humiliated after outbursts they can’t control,” she said. “They often tell us they have no idea why they are saying such things—it’s beyond their will.”

Dr Singla added that Tourette Syndrome not only disrupts social interactions but can also trigger anxiety and depression due to constant self-consciousness.

As awareness grows, mental health professionals are urging people to differentiate between intentional offensive speech and neurological symptoms, calling for compassion and timely medical attention for those affected.