ABSTRACT
Narcolepsy is a chronic, debilitating neurological disorder, the hallmarks of which are hypersomnia and cataplexy. Narcolepsy is a neurological condition, but its etiology and pathogenesis remain obscure, although there have been recent advances in the understanding of the disease. The pharmacological management of narcolepsy entails the use of stimulants for excessive daytime somnolence, tricyclic antidepressants for secondary symptoms, and benzodiazepines to consolidate disturbed nocturnal sleep. Narcolepsy may be misdiagnosed as depression or hypothyroidism, while the symptoms of hypnagogic hallucinations may be mistaken for schizophrenia. A study in Germany documents the economic burden of narcolepsy on 75 patients diagnosed with the disease. Information on the symptoms of narcolepsy and their economic impacts was obtained through a standardized telephone interview. A comparison study with epilepsy showed that narcolepsy patients were more affected at work and had poorer driving records, higher accident rates from smoking, and greater problems in planning recreation.
