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Narcolepsy and Mental Health

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Narcolepsy

Abstract

There are methodological difficulties in assessing cognitive function in narcolepsy, but despite these it appears that there is a defect in maintenance of attention, which is more significant than the problems with memory. The subject’s perception of memory loss is however greater than what can be demonstrated objectively. There may also be a generalised executive dysfunction unrelated to attention and memory deficits. Anxiety and depression are common, particularly in younger subjects. Psychosis is usually drug-induced, particularly by amphetamines. The realistic dreams and hypnagogic hallucinations should be distinguished from schizophrenia and REM sleep behaviour disorder.

There is considerable functional impairment due to the symptoms of narcolepsy with reduced quality of life, particularly in the domains of vitality and physical roles. Changes with age are probably important, but there are only few differences between the genders. Education, performance at work, social and recreational activities are all impaired by narcolepsy, but attention to lifestyle aspects and treatment with modern drugs, particularly modafinil and sodium oxybate, can improve functional capacity.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Respiratory Support and Sleep Centre, Papworth Hospital, Papworth Everard, Cambridgeshire, CB23 8RE, UK

    John Shneerson

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  1. John Shneerson
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Correspondence to John Shneerson .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Narcolepsy Institute, Montefiore Medical Center, East 210 Street 111, Bronx, 10467, U.S.A.

    Meeta Goswami

  2. Dept. Pharmacology, Columbia University, West 168th St. 630, New York, 10032, U.S.A.

    S. R. Pandi-Perumal

  3. Sleep-Wake Disorders Center, Montefiore Hospital, East 210th Street 111, Bronx, 10467, U.S.A.

    Michael J. Thorpy

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Shneerson, J. (2010). Narcolepsy and Mental Health. In: Goswami, M., Pandi-Perumal, S., Thorpy, M. (eds) Narcolepsy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0854-4_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0854-4_22

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-0853-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-0854-4

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