N-word shouted by a guest upended BAFTAs. We explain the medical condition behind outbursts
CBC
A racial slur shouted by a guest with Tourette and broadcast during Britain's top movie awards event has put the spotlight on coprolalia — a symptom associated with the syndrome.
The outburst included use of the N-word as two Black actors were presenting at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA).
BAFTA and BBC both apologized Monday after the outburst by John Davidson, who inspired the nominated film I Swear. Awards show host Alan Cumming apologized to the audience for the "strong and offensive language."
In a statement, Davidson, a Scottish campaigner for people with Tourette, acknowledged he was "deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning" and stressed what he said did not reflect his personal beliefs.
Tourettes Action, a support and research charity in the U.K., says it works to reduce stigma and increase understanding of the syndrome.
After the BAFTAs, Tourettes Action CEO Emma McNally said: "We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt, but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person's beliefs, intentions or character."
The genetic, neurodevelopmental disorder is primarily characterized by sudden, involuntary movements or sounds called tics that tend to wax and wane, but can worsen with excitement or anxiety, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Tourette syndrome is often diagnosed during childhood, with symptoms peaking between ages eight and 12, experts say.
According to Tourette Canada, tics are associated with a group of neurological conditions known as tic disorders. Tics can occur in as many as 1 in 5 school-aged children at some time.
Medical and behavioural treatments exist.
Some people improve during adolescence, while a quarter of those diagnosed continue to have symptoms through their lives, said Dr. Tamara Pringsheim, a neurologist and professor at the University of Calgary who treats people with Tourette syndrome and studies it.
The causes of Tourette and other tic disorders are still unknown, says Tourette Canada, which has its headquarters in Brampton, Ont. It added these conditions tend to occur in families, many studies have found genetics are involved, and researchers continue to look into the genetic angle and other underlying factors.
Many people with Tourette syndrome are also diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and learning disorders.
The Tourette Association of America says about 10 to 15 per cent of people with the syndrome experience coprolalia.
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