The Convulsionary Samuel Johnson and the Miaowing of Mozart

Famous people with Tourette′s syndrome: Dr. Samuel Johnson (yes) & Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (may be): Victims of Tourette′s syndrome?

“…Many authorities believe that Mozart's rapid change of behavior from profundity to perversity and his anomalous behavior might have been exaggerated in many accounts and they were merely a personality trait of an eccentric genius rather than a organic disease. [ 17 31 32 ] Others advocate that outstandingly creative individuals, deeply engrossed with their work and immersed in the world of creation are often oblivious of their immediate surroundings and such socially deplorable mannerisms and gesticulations may simply be one way of getting rid of the mental tension that grips them. [ 33 ] It is often felt that Mozart's perky, curious and inappropriate behavior and foible is the manifestation of an inner conflict between his providentially bestowed talent and the social milieu of his time where he was exposed to.…”

Famous people with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome?

“…Furthermore, although Mozart has been described to easily switch from serious and impulsive to jolly and rowdy mood, it has been suggested that the various accounts of his eccentric behavior have been exaggerated and his impulsiveness was merely a personality trait rather than a psychiatric disorder [36]. Like Folengo, Rabelais, and Joyce, Mozart used time-honored literary devices such as multiple meaning, deformation of syntax, enumerations, the jocular, the pleasure of unexpected associations or coarseness, and the delight of defying taboos and ignoring proprieties.…”

Mozart's movements and behaviour: a case of Tourette's syndrome?

“…Regardless of these reports, some investigators still argue that the observed unusual motor behaviours and vocalisations seen in Mozart are simply indicative of eccentric personality, sometimes associated with the unusual gift (or a curse) of a genius 6 36 39. Some scholarly thinkers or creative individuals who are deeply involved in their profession may ignore time, place and people around them and outpour their anxiety or stress in a form of peculiar body movements, mannerisms or gesticulations, talking to themselves, yelling or even grunting without necessarily satisfying diagnostic criteria for TS 48…”

“…Although Mozart has been described to easily switch from serious and impulsive to jolly and rowdy mood, some have suggested that the various accounts of his eccentric behaviour have been exaggerated and his impulsiveness was merely a personality trait rather than a psychiatric disorder 6 39 56. In addition to ADHD, conduct disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, possibly reflect abnormalities in dopamine D2 ( DRD2 ) and serotonin transporter ( 5-HTT ) genes 57 58…”

“…Although learning disabilities have been suggested to be present in some patients with TS,4 5 most reach their full potential without any residual psychiatric or neurological handicap. Many notable figures, such as Dr Samuel Johnson, have made extraordinary contributions to the arts and sciences despite, or perhaps because of, their TS 6. Several reports have drawn attention to the observation that some TS patients possess unique talents and skills, similar to individuals with autism and savant syndrome 7 8.…”