Frequently Asked Questions About Narcolepsy

Is narcolepsy a mental or psychological disorder?

Narcolepsy is neither a psychological nor a mental disorder.

It is a neurological disorder and physical cause is unknown.

If you have narcolepsy, your sleepiness and sleep attacks are uncontrollable.

It can influence your self esteem and personal relationships. Counseling is required to alleviate these problems.

What are the long terms problems of narcolepsy?

There are many long term problems of narcolepsy. Due to cataplexy and sleep attacks in public, you will become embarrassed and therefore cause severe social and economic difficulties. Your physical activities can be interfered with cataplexy [Cataplexy Info].

You are unable to work or drive with cataplexy and can result in loss of independence. Due too inability to work, you can face financial difficulties and other problems. With all these problems, you can lose contacts with others and become depressed.

Does narcolepsy affect learning?

Narcolepsy, although do not affect your intelligence, learning and education directly but you are affected by the symptoms. Due to the sleep disruption, concentration, study, memory and attention are affected.

If your child is having narcolepsy, it should be identified in early stages to avoid lowered self-esteem and failure patterns. Learning habits should be adjusted and it should be accompanied with the cooperation of school personnel.

What is the long term prognosis for people with narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a life long disease. The symptoms may vary during your lifespan but they never disappear completely. Symptoms can worsen gradually over time and then tend to become stable.

Fluctuations in symptoms can be due to irregular sleep/wake schedule, infections of the brain, use of drugs that affect central nervous system and development of additional sleep disorders.

How the patients and their family and friends cope with narcolepsy?

Learning everything about narcolepsy and finding support can help patients, their family members and friends to deal with the emotional and practical effects of narcolepsy. Support groups exist to help patients with narcolepsy and their families.

People with narcolepsy and their family and friends should know:

• Narcolepsy is a life long disease that requires continuous intake of medications.
• Although there is no complete cure for narcolepsy, several medications can help to reduce the symptoms.
• If you have narcolepsy, you can lead normal and productive life if you are provided with proper medical care.
• Narcolepsy people should avoid jobs that require long distance driving or handling hazardous equipment.
• People such as teachers, parents, employers, and spouses around the narcolepsy patient should be aware of the narcolepsy symptoms. This helps in avoiding the confusion due to patient’s behavior with rejection, laziness, lack of interest, hostility and lack of motivation. All of them help to provide support and cooperation.
• At work place, employers can provide better working opportunities for people with narcolepsy by permitting special work schedules and nap breaks.