NARCOLEPSY AND OTHER DISTURBANCES IN THE SLEEP-WAKING RHYTHM

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Abstract
In a study of narcolepsy and other disturbances in the sleep-waking rhythm, 115 clinical records of patients with sleep disturbances were reviewed. Seventy-five patients were found to have primary narcolepsy, 35% of whom were seen for follow-up interview. Clinical details are presented in tabular and graphic form and discussed in the text. Thirteen patients with secondary narcolepsy were identified: ten postencephalitic narcoleptics; three patients with narcolepsy on the basis of the Pickwickian syndrome. Organic and psychogenic disorders resulting in hypersomnia were noted in 35 patients. The etiology and clinical findings are discussed. The results of the overall study are examined in an attempt to delineate the specific characteristics of primary narcolepsy and to distinguish the disorder from other disturbances in the sleep-waking mechanism. The significance of psychological factors in primary narcolepsy and the association of schizophrenia with narcolepsy are assessed. The current state of knowledge about narcolepsy is summarized in detail.

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