Narcolepsy-cataplexy. II. Psychosocial consequences and associated psychopathology
A. Kales, C. R. Soldatos, E. O. Bixler, A. Caldwell, R. J. Cadieux, J. M. Verrechio and J. D. Kales
The emotional and psychosocial correlates of narcolepsy were evaluated in
50 adults who had a current complaint of sleep attacks and cataplexy. The
psychosocial consequences of narcolepsy were extensive; most patients
reported that the condition seriously affected their interpersonal,
marital, work, and social relationships. Many of these consequences were
caused by others' misunderstanding of the symptoms of the disorder, which
resulted in negative attitudes toward the patients. Th narcoleptic patients
showed high levels of psychopathology compared with controls, but this
difference is considered to be primarily a reaction to the disorder and its
effects. The narcoleptic patients were overly concerned with emotional
control, which appeared to lead to their generalized lack of expressiveness
and tendency to build up emotional pressure. Based on these findings,
recommendations are given for the psychosocial management of the
narcoleptic patient.
