To identify basal ganglia circuit dysfunctions that might produce repetitive behaviors known as motor stereotypies, we applied psychomotor stimulants and a direct dopamine receptor agonist to induce ... Nature: A Role for Electrotonic Coupling in the Striatum in the Expression of Dopamine Receptor-mediated Stereotypies A Role for Electrotonic Coupling in the Striatum in the Expression of Dopamine Receptor-mediated Stereotypies Animal Welfare Institute: Fernandez, E. J.

Understanding the Context

2021. Appetitive search behaviors and stereotypies in polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Behavioural Processes 182, 104299. Stereotypies in captive animals have been defined as repetitive, largely invariant patterns of behavior that serve no obvious goal or function.

Key Insights

Stereotypies are commonly attributed to boredom or ... Fernandez, E. J. 2021. Appetitive search behaviors and stereotypies in polar bears (Ursus maritimus).

Final Thoughts

Behavioural Processes 182, 104299. Unlike tics, stereotypies usually begin before the age of three, involve more of the body, are more rhythmic and less random, and are associated more with engrossment in another activity rather than premonitory urges. Motor stereotypies (also called stereotypic movement disorder), are rhythmic, fixed movements that do not seem to have a purpose, but are predictable in pattern and location on the body. Complex motor stereotypies typically begin before age 3 and tend to persist throughout adolescence and adulthood. They often affect your ability to function and may cause bodily harm. These movements occur in a variety of different types and forms.

They increase when a child is engrossed in an activity. They stop with distraction. Stereotypies are different from other kinds of movement disorders. Primary complex motor stereotypies (PCMS) is a common type of motor stereotypy.