Hyperorality refers to the compulsive need to place both edible and inedible objects in one’s mouth. It is often associated with Klüver-Bucy syndrome, a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by damage to the temporal lobes of the brain. Such damage can be caused by
traumatic brain injuries, infections,
stroke, degenerative brain diseases (e.g.,
frontotemporal dementia), and, more rarely, tumors.
The temporal lobe is one of the four major lobes of the brain, and it is responsible for many different functions, including recognition of faces and objects, formation of new memories, language comprehension, and
emotion processing. The temporal lobe also plays a role in the reward system of the brain, which motivates and reinforces behaviors that elicit positive feelings (e.g., eating food, engaging in sex).
As a result of damage to the temporal lobes, individuals with Klüver-Bucy syndrome may experience unusual behaviors, such as hyperorality. Certain individuals may also experience
hyperphagia, which is compulsive overeating, or hypersexuality, an elevated sex drive, which may sometimes be associated with specific sexual interests. Other symptoms include the inability to recognize familiar faces and objects,
loss of memories, and a decreased
fear response. Some of the symptoms associated with Klüver-Bucy syndrome may improve over
time, but others, including hyperorality, tend to persist indefinitely.
In individuals with frontotemporal dementia, hyperorality can be accompanied by other behavioral manifestations. These may include
personality changes (e.g., suddenly becoming hostile towards a family member), socially inappropriate behaviors due to a lack of inhibition, and difficulty finding words when speaking.
Pick disease is one kind of frontotemporal dementia.
