Narcolepsy without Cataplexy Mimicking Psychiatric Illness

Abstract

Hallucinations can be seen in pediatric population with various kinds of illnesses including psychiatric disorders and sleep disorders. As psychiatry disorders and sleep disorders share common symptoms, it is difficult to differentiate. We report a case of narcolepsy without cataplexy in a 12-year-old girl who was initially diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses from excessive sleepiness and visual and auditory hallucinations. She did not improve with antipsychotic medication but responded well to stimulant medication. We emphasize the importance of having narcolepsy in differential diagnoses for hallucinations in pediatric population.

Keywords

narcolepsy - hallucination - schizophrenia

• References

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