NarcolepsyYovany GasparPsychology Period 5

Narcolepsy• A sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness

and frequent daytime sleep attacks.• The brain’s inability to control sleep wake cycles.• Known to be a nervous system Disorder.

Associated Features• Those diagnosed do not get regular sleep.• NREM and REM sleep are significant stages of sleep that

are needed to function.

• Individuals experience sleep attacks through out the day.• Sometimes leads to episodes of full paralysis or

hallucinations.• Also known as EDS (Excessive daytime sleepiness).

Associated Features• Some cases include cataplexy• A sudden loss of muscle reflexes or control due to strong

emotions.• Occurs in 70 percent of patients.• 10 to 25 percent of individuals diagnosed present all four

cases.

How is it Diagnosed?• Patients are asked to keep a sleep journal over a

span of two weeks.• Two tests must be administered.• Polysomnogram (PSG)• Overnight test that records sleeping patterns.• Looks for abnormality in REM sleep.

• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MLST)• Measures an individuals tendency to fall asleep.• Latency period is about 12 minutes if it lasts shorter

than 8 than its possible that it is narcolepsy.

Etiology• Due to reduced amounts of protein known as

hypocretin (when cataplexy is present).• Produced in the brain and help stimulate biological

processes.

• Possibility that it is an autoimmune disorder.• Highly rare to be a genetic effect.

Prevalence• Common in men the same as in women• Narcolepsy with cataplexy affects one in every

3,000 Americans.• 10 % of those diagnosed have relatives with

similar symptoms.

Treatment• There is no known cure.• There must be changes in one daily life in order to

control the symptoms.• Avoiding Heavy meals, resorting to lighter vegetarian

choices.• Planned naps, this reduces sleep attacks.• Give awareness of your disorder to those within your

environment.• Emotional counseling.

Treatment• The use of stimulants is often referred to by

psychiatrists.• Armodafinil, dextroamphetamine, and methylphendate.

• Also may use antidepressants which stimulate serotonin levels.

Prognosis• Lifelong chronic condition.• Although it is not deadly it can be dangerous to

the individual and those around the individual.• Treatment of underlying sleep symptoms is

recommended in order to control the disorder.

References• Halgin, R.D. and Whitbourne, S.F. (2005).

Abnormal psychology: clinical perspectives on psychological disorders. New York, NY: Mcgraw-Hill.

• Meyers, D.G. (2011). Meyer’s psychology for ap. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

• PubMed Health. (Sept. 26, 2011). Narcolepsy, daytime sleep disorder; cataplexy. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001805/.

Discussion Question• Should individuals diagnosed with Narcolepsy be

allowed to coexist with society or are they a danger to not only society but themselves as well? Why or why not? Explain.