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February 9, 2012
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Narcolepsy (cont.)

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Outlook

  • Problems in children with narcolepsy include poor school performance, social impairment, ridicule from peers, and dysfunction in other activities of normal childhood development.
  • Adults often perceive narcoleptic symptoms as embarrassing, and social isolation may result.

    • They may encounter interpersonal stress in relationships, sexual dysfunction, and difficulty working because of the condition itself or its treatment.

    • They may experience job impairment from sleep attacks, memory problems, cataplexy, interpersonal problems, and personality changes. These symptoms may lead coworkers to perceive them as "lazy."

    • Persons with narcolepsy are sometimes falsely suspected of illegal drug use.

    • Persons who are taking stimulant medications should inform their employers, because they may test positive for amphetamines on screening drug tests.

    • Persons with narcolepsy are at an increased risk for automobile accidents.

  • Left untreated, narcolepsy may be psychosocially devastating. However, with proper management and treatment, persons with narcolepsy usually lead meaningful and productive personal and professional lives.

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Narcolepsy »

Narcolepsy is characterized by the classic tetrad of excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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