THE NEUROTIC COMPONENT OF NARCOLEPSY
Abstract
The psychogenic fraction of narcolepsy is centered about unacceptable impulses and defenses they provoke. In cataplexy episodes, sexual and aggressive actions and fantasies are blocked on a neuromuscular level. A sleep attack is far more complicated and some aspects may be compared to a classical psychoneurosis because the symptom provides not only defense but simultaneous disguised gratification of a wish.
A 30-year-old aviator with narcolepsy was found to have an hysterical character disorder. The case is discussed in detail and psychological test data are presented. An abnormal nocturnal EEG typical of narcolepsy was obtained. The patient had the rare symptom of cataplexy at orgasm and abnormalities in the sexual life of narcoleptics are discussed.
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