Speaking of Psychology Understanding Tourette disorder and other tic disorders, with John Piacentini, PhD
Mar 18, 2026
John Piacentini, PhD, a UCLA clinical psychologist who directs a clinic for OCD, anxiety, and tic disorders, explains what tics are and how they start in childhood. He debunks myths like the idea that swearing is typical. He outlines brain mechanisms, discusses pandemic-related increases and social media links, and describes behavioral treatments like habit reversal and CBIT.
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Tics Are Leaky Motor Chunks From The Brain
- Tics are normal chunks of motor behavior that the brain assembles automatically and sometimes releases at the wrong time.
- In Tourette's the brain overproduces these chunks and the inhibition filter is 'leaky,' so ordinary actions like blinking or shouting emerge inappropriately.
Why Swearing Happens At The Worst Time
- Coprolalia is uncommon, affecting roughly 10–15% of people with Tourette's, and typically appears at the worst times because focusing on not doing something increases its likelihood.
- The more you think 'don't do it' the more the leaky filter lets embarrassing behaviors through, producing swearing at socially inappropriate moments.
Tourette's Is Genetic And Brain Based
- Tourette's is a genetic, brain-based disorder involving basal ganglia and inhibitory circuitry dysfunction.
- Neurotransmitter systems that convert intention to action and inhibition don't work as well, producing both overactivity and reduced stopping ability.