Psychosocial Aspects of Narcolepsy

This groundbreaking book focuses on the impact narcolepsy has on a person's day-to-day life. It addresses the diagnosis, treatment, and management of narcolepsy with particular emphasis on psychological and social aspects of care. A multidisciplinary team of nationally and internationally respected scientists, researchers, and clinicians discuss the detrimental effects narcolepsy has on interpersonal relationships, employment, education, recreation, and other aspects of everyday life, from driving an automobile to sexual relations. Narcolepsy's effects on these and other daily activities are often neglected in the study of the disorder. This book brings into focus the personal and social costs of narcolepsy and discusses the often enormous impact that narcolepsy can have on a person's self-esteem and quality of life. Typically it takes about fifteen years for a person to be accurately diagnosed as having narcolepsy. Psychosocial Aspects of Narcolepsy is an aid to help caregivers and healthcare providers screen individuals with symptoms of daytime sleepiness and refer them promptly to appropriate professionals for diagnosis and help. The book helps these professionals find the most effective treatment methods and coping strategies for their patients who suffer from symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and hypnagogic hallucinations. Informative chapters address a wide variety of pertinent issues, including:
differential diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy
the special needs of persons with narcolepsy
a sociomedical model for a narcolepsy counseling service
the psychosocial impact of narcolepsy on the individual and the family
sociodemographic variables in narcolepsy
the quality of life of persons with narcolepsy
the diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial consequences of sleep apnea
the legal aspects of narcolepsy
narcolepsy's profound impact on childrenThis vital resource enables physicians and other health professionals to give optimum, comprehensive care to individuals suffering from narcolepsy. Full of informative studies and helpful coping strategies, Psychosocial Aspects of Narcolepsy belongs on the desk of every person who wants to understand the impact of narcolepsy more thoroughly and who wishes to improve the quality of life of those with the disorder.

Contents
Section I: Quality of Life Issues in Narcolepsy

• Life Effects of Narcolepsy: Measures of Negative Impact, Social Support, and Psychological Well-Being
• The Quality of Life of Persons With Narcolepsy
• Psychosocial Impact of Narcolepsy-Cataplexy
• Psychosocial Impact of Narcolepsy-Cataplexy With Comparisons to Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Epilepsy
• Self-Esteem in Persons With Narcolepsy
• Depressive Symptomatology in Narcolepsy
• Social Distance From Persons With Narcolepsy and Other Conditions
• Reported Accidents in Narcolepsy
• Sexual Dysfunction in Men With Narcolepsy
• Psychosocial Aspects of Narcolepsy in Children and Adolescents
• Section II: Learning and Cognitive Development in Persons With Narcolepsy
• Can We Predict Cognitive Impairments in Persons With Narcolepsy?
• Learning Style Preferences of Persons With Narcolepsy
• Section III: Issues in the Management of Narcolepsy
• The Realpolitik of Narcolepsy and Other Disorders With Impaired Alertness
• Chronobiological Findings in Narcolepsy and Their Implications for Treatment and Psychosocial Adjustment
• A Counseling Service for Narcolepsy: A Sociomedical Model
• A Narcolepsy Patient Role Model
• The Role of the Social Sciences in Medicine
• Section IV: Political and Legal Issues in Narcolepsy
• The Legal Aspects of Narcolepsy
• Can Narcolepsy Be Eradicated in This Millennium?
• Reference Notes Included