An under-recognized case of childhood narcolepsy with cataplexy

Narcolepsy is a type of dyssomnia characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. The signs of narcolepsy usually begin during the teenage years and it persists throughout the lifetime. Diagnosing narcolepsy in children can be challenging and the disorder can remain undiagnosed until adulthood. We describe here a case of childhood narcolepsy with cataplexy who was not diagnosed accurately during several admissions. The patient’s signs were initially related to conversion disorder and she took inappropriate medications. However, after a polysomnography, the diagnosis of narcolepsy was established and she was treated appropriately with stimulant medications. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2017; 18(4.000): 407-409]