title: Narcolepsy: an initial clinical approach.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009290:Narcolepsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D008774:Methylphenidate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine