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ICD-9 307.3

A stereotypy (pronounced /ˈstɛriəˌtаɪpi/) (plural stereotypies) is a repetitive or ritualistic movement, posture, or utterance, found in patients with mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, tardive dyskinesia and stereotypic movement disorder. Stereotypies may be simple movements such as body rocking, or complex, such as self-caressing, crossing and uncrossing of legs, and marching in place.[1] Several causes have been hypothesized for stereotypy, and several treatment options are available.

Proposed causes




In animals

File:Beijing Zoo Siberian tiger.JPG
Animals kept in small, unadorned enclosures are likely to develop stereotypical behaviors.


They can be induced by confinement; for example, cats pace in zoo cages.[4] Pregnant sows whose feed is restricted bite at their stalls' bars, and chew without anything in their mouths.[5] In laboratory rats and mice, grooming is the most common activity other than sleep, and grooming stereotypies have been used to investigate several animal models of anxiety and depression.[6] Examples of stereotypical behaviors include pacing, rocking, swimming in circles, excessive sleeping, self-mutilation (including feather picking and excessive grooming), and mouthing cage bars. Stereotypies are seen in many species, including primates, birds, and carnivores. Up to 40% of elephants in zoos display stereotypical behaviors.[7] Stereotypic behaviour in giraffes is also common; they resort to excessive tongue use on inanimate objects, due to a subconscious response to suckle milk from their mother, which many human-reared giraffes and other captive animals do not experience.[8]

Stereotypical behaviors are thought to be caused ultimately by artificial environments that do not allow animals to satisfy their normal behavioral needs. Rather than refer to the behavior as abnormal, it has been suggested that it be described as "behavior indicative of an abnormal environment."[9] Stereotypies are correlated with altered behavioral response selection in the basal ganglia.[3]

Stereotypical behavior in laboratory animals can confound behavioral research.[3] It is also seen as a sign of psychological distress in animals, and therefore is an animal welfare issue.



  1. Jankovic J (2001). "Differential diagnosis and etiology of tics". Adv Neurol. 85: 15–29. PMID 11530424. 
  2. Nind M, Kellett M (2002). "Responding to individuals with severe learning difficulties and stereotyped behaviour: challenges for an inclusive era". Eur J Spec Needs Educ. 17 (3): 265–82. doi:10.1080/08856250210162167. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Garner, Joseph; and Mason, Georgia (2005-04). "Evidence for a relationship between cage stereotypies and behavioural disinhibition in laboratory rodents" ([dead link]). Retrieved 2006-05-30.  Unknown parameter |publication= ignored (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. Lawrence AB, Terlouw EM (1993). "A review of behavioral factors involved in the development and continued performance of stereotypic behaviors in pigs". J Anim Sci. 71 (10): 2815–25. PMID 8226385. 
  6. Kalueff AV, Wheaton M, Murphy DL (2007). "What's wrong with my mouse model? Advances and strategies in animal modeling of anxiety and depression". Behav Brain Res. 179 (1): 1–18. PMID 17306892. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2007.01.023. 
  8. Harrison JC, George QF, Cronk CC (2001). "Stereotypic behaviour in zoo animals". J. Zoo Sc. 1 (23): 71–86. 
  9. 9.0 9.1 "Stereotypical Behavior: A LAREF Discussion", Laboratory Primate Newsletter, 2004-11-06. Retrieved on 2006-05-30. 

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