I. A conceptual review. Vocally disruptive behavior generally means verbal and vocal behavior including groans, screams, sighs and similar noises. It appears to be more common among women. A common profile of an individual who exhibits this behavior would include both severe cognitive and functional impairment, a tendency to fall, increased sleep disturbance, and probably has had an introverted personality with a tendency to control emotions. Social isolation may exacerbate these behaviors.
Music seems to reduce calling out behavior.
There are a number of theories that attempt to explain this behavior. One involves the concept that individuals lose their inhibition because of the cognitive impairment. Another sees vocally disruptive behavior as an expression of physical discomfort or an expression of mental suffering. Repositioning of the person may be important here. A more complex theory is related to the outcome of feeling sensory deprivation as well as social isolation.