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Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy. Yovany Gaspar Psychology 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.

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Narcolepsy

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  1. Narcolepsy Yovany Gaspar Psychology Period 5

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Treatment • The use of stimulants is often referred to by psychiatrists. • Armodafinil, dextroamphetamine, and methylphendate. • Also may use antidepressants which stimulate serotonin levels.

  10. 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.

  11. 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/PMH000 1805/.

  12. 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.

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