Exploring the emotional and behavioural profile in paediatric narcolepsy type 1: A case-control study
Giorgia Simoncini Malucelli1, Anna Mercante2, Fabio Pizza2,3
1Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
Journal of Sleep Research
|October 24, 2023
Summary
Children with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) experience significant psychological challenges, including anxiety and depression. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing these impacts.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
Background:
- Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a central hypersomnolence disorder often emerging in childhood.
- The psychological impact of NT1 in pediatric populations is significant but not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psycho-social functioning of children and adolescents diagnosed with NT1.
- To identify factors influencing psychological well-being in pediatric NT1 patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional questionnaire survey involving 37 children/adolescents (6-17 years) with NT1 and matched controls.
- Utilized validated questionnaires assessing behavioral, emotional, sleep, and daytime sleepiness profiles.
- Correlated psychological scores with clinical characteristics including hypocretin-1 levels and diagnostic delay.
Main Results:
- NT1 patients exhibited higher rates of depression, anxiety, somatization, inattention, hyperactivity, and oppositional behaviors compared to controls.
- Females with NT1 showed increased anxiety; non-treated patients had higher depressive symptoms.
- Psychological symptoms correlated with age, BMI, and daytime sleepiness; lower hypocretin-1 levels linked to poorer social skills and attention.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric NT1 is associated with widespread psycho-social dysfunction, necessitating early identification and intervention.
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for monitoring and mitigating the psychological burden and preventing psychiatric sequelae in children with NT1.
Keywords:
emotional and behavioural functioningnarcolepsy type 1paediatricspsychological profilepsychometricsMore Related Videos
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