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Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Psychosocial and intellectual functioning in childhood narcolepsy
Liam Dorris1, Sameer M Zuberi, Nicola Scott
1Fraser of Allander Neurosciences Unit, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, UK. liam.dorris@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Developmental Neurorehabilitation
|July 9, 2008
Summary
Children with narcolepsy experience significant psychosocial challenges, including internalizing symptoms and difficulties communicating distress. This highlights the broader psychological impact beyond excessive sleepiness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Child Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Childhood narcolepsy presents unique challenges impacting development.
- Understanding the psychosocial functioning in pediatric narcolepsy is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess intellectual and psychosocial functioning in children diagnosed with narcolepsy.
- To describe the psychological impact of narcolepsy on affected children.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 12 children (6 males, 6 females, aged 7-16) attending a narcolepsy clinic.
- Utilized the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III-UK (WISC-III) and the Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL).
Main Results:
- Most children (11/12) had average IQ scores (mean/median=100).
- Significant verbal-performance IQ discrepancies were noted in 42% of participants.
- A high prevalence of clinically significant scores on the CBCL Total Score Index (10/12) and Internalizing Index (9/12) was observed.
Conclusions:
- Childhood narcolepsy has a substantial psychosocial impact extending beyond excessive sleepiness.
- Symptoms like hallucinations contribute to significant psychological distress and morbidity in children with narcolepsy.
- Difficulties in symptom communication were prevalent among the studied children.
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Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
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NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
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Nightmares often...
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01:30Information Processing Approach
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01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
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01:29Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...