Psychiatric aspects of narcolepsy.

Among twenty patients with narcolepsy intelligence was normal and no characteristic personality or psychopathology was found. A family history of psychiatric disorder was present in five and a past personal history in ten. Eight had a current psychiatric disorder and twelve either a current or past psychiatric disorder. Chronic sexual disorder was present in eleven. Arousal appeared to be the mechanism by which emotions precipitated symptoms. Ten patients were found to have had difficulties at work, in marriage or in social life.