Narcolepsy

By: Yesenia Cervantes

Definition

Narcolepsy: the experience of irresistible attacks of sleep that can take place at any time and any place, and usually last between 10 to 20 minutes.

Associated Features

Excessive day time sleepiness

Cataplexy- loss of muscle strength

Hypnogogic Hallucination- often frightening dream like experience that incorporate his or her real environment.

Sleep paralysis- temporary inability to move during sleep transitions.

Sleep paralysis- temporary inability to move during sleep transitions.

Leg jerks, nightmares , and restlessness

DSM-IV-TR The diagnostic criteria for Narcolepsy (347.00)

A. Overpowering daily attacks of sleep for 3 months or more.

B. One or Both of the following:

-Cataplexy (-loss of muscle strength)

-Repeated REM intrusions – hallucinations and/or paralysis

C. Not caused by a substance or general medical condition

Etiology

Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder.

It not cause by mental illness or psychological problems.

Is thought to be the result of a number of genetic abnormalities that affect specific biological factors in the brain.

Triggered by environmental factors, such as a virus.

Prevalence

Affects males and females equally.

Under-recognized and Under-diagnosed condition

Narcolepsy with cataplexy (muscle weakness): 1 in 3000 Americans

Narcolepsy without cataplexy: Believed to be higher, but exact figures are unknown.

Treatments

Drug Therapy:

Drugs to alert central nervous system

Antidepressants

Behavioral Therapy:

Planned naps

Improving quality of nighttime sleep

Taking safety precautions (especially with driving)

Support Groups

Prognosis

Currently, narcolepsy is incurable, but can be managed with treatment.

Causes problems with memory and attention.

Can lead to depression, anxiety, and sexual problems.

Prognosis

Narcolepsy tends to run in families

The symptoms are most frequent during the ages of 15 to 30.

People with narcolepsy cannot get a drivers license in many states.

Or, must be symptom free for an extended period of time.

Discussion Question

DO you think that a person with narcolepsy can live a quality life?

Videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0h2nleWTwI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW31IanJiAM

Refernces

Jasmin, L. (2012). Narcolepsy. Retrieved 2012, from U.S.

National Library of Medicine database.

Mayers.G.(2011).Myers’psychologyfor

ap.NewYork:NY.Worth publishers.

Halgin,R.P.&Whit boums,S.K.(2005).(Abnormal psychology:

clinical perspective on psychological disorders. New York,

NY: McGraw Hill.