Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder. Such incorrect diagnoses should be a thing of the past. However, psychological problems can develop from misunderstanding and the inability to cope with the symptoms. Counseling for the person with narcolepsy and his family and better understanding by the whole community can help control these secondary problems. Daytime sleepiness has many causes which may occur separately or together.
Correct diagnosis is essential to appropriate treatment.
You will need to find the sleep disorders center nearest you for testing. Generally, one or both of two tests is performed. The polysomnogram measures the brain's electrical patterns, heart and breathing rates, and eye and muscle movements during sleep and can pinpoint any or all sleep disorders. Excessive daytime sleep and cataplexy must be treated separately. Central nervous system stimulants are prescribed for sleepiness and tricyclic antidepressants for cataplexy.