Topical Review: A Biopsychosocial Framework for Pediatric Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia.

OBJECTIVE

Provide an overview of current research findings in pediatric central disorders of hypersomnolence (CDH) and propose a biopsychosocial model for clinical management, with a focus on interdisciplinary care and future directions for research and clinical practice.

METHODS

Literature review drawing from pediatric and adult narcolepsy, as well as pediatric sleep and chronic pain research to develop an integrative biopsychosocial model for pediatric CDH.

RESULTS

Youth with CDH are vulnerable to impairments in academics, emotional, and behavioral functioning, activity engagement and quality of life (QOL). There is a complex interrelationship between neurobiological features of disease, treatment-related factors, and psychological, sleep-related, and contextual factors across development. Research is limited largely to adults and pediatric narcolepsy type 1 and the mechanisms and evolution of morbidity remain poorly understood.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to first-line treatment (pharmacotherapy), routine screening of bio-behavioral and psychosocial functioning and QOL is needed to identify risk for compromised functioning warranting adjunctive interventions with behavioral health specialists.