Narcolepsy, a “sleeping disorder”?
Willem M. A. Verhoeven
Acta Neuropsychiatrica March 1, 1991 DOI: 10.1017/s0924270800034402 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Describes narcolepsy as defined by excessive daytime somnolence and REM-sleep abnormalities alongside cataplexy, irresistible sleep episodes, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Holds that clinical history is in principle sufficient for diagnosis, with neurophysiological and biochemical data sometimes used as support. States that central nervous system stimulants remain the primary treatment for daytime sleepiness, while serotonergic antidepressants are used for cataplexy and related symptoms. |
Abstract
The narcoleptic syndrome in its most specific way is characterized by a set of clinical symptoms, including cataplexy, irresistable sleep episodes, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleepparalysis; the syndrome has been defined by the association of excessive day-time somnolence and REM-sleep abnormalities. In principle, anamnestic information is sufficient to establish the clinical diagnosis, although neuro-physiological and biochemical data(CSF monoamine metabolites and HLA-typology) are sometimes needed to support the diagnostic procedure. Treatment of excessive daytime somnolence is still primarily based upon CNS stimulants, while treatment of cataplexy and related symptoms rests on antidepressants with a primarily serotonergic mode of action.