Psychological Factors in the Narcolepsy Cataplexy Syndrome

The clinical and psychological test findings in 7 narcoleptic patients are described. Six of the 7 patients showed a marked relationship between their psychological state and their symptoms. All 7 patients showed personality changes after the onset of the illness. There was a high incidence of childhood neuropathic traits. There was also a high incidence of abnormalities revealed in the 3 psychological tests used, the MMPI, the Maudsley Personality Inventory, and the Rorschach. However, no common personality profile appeared to emerge. The patients did not appear hysterical, nor did they show any pronounced tendency to extraversion in the Maudsley Personality Inventory. In the Rorschach, emotional constriction and slight extratensive trends were noteworthy. It is argued that although the condition is not primarily a psychological one, psychological factors may have an important influence on the symptomatology. Moreover, the disease leads to psychological difficulties with which the patient may cope well or badly. Psychotherapy is indicated in some cases.