Narcolepsy: an initial clinical approach.

Pragmatic, empirical methods are available for the diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy. Diagnosis can be based on the history of specific symptoms; a questionnaire scale can reliably confirm sleepiness, while performance tests and other laboratory procedures may illuminate the clinical picture when the diagnosis is unclear. A treatment program includes scheduling of sleep and naps, careful progressive refinement of the drug regimen, dependable record keeping, and supportive or insight-oriented psychotherapy aimed at enhancing adherence to prescribed regimens.