Efficacy of lithium treatment in Kleine-Levin syndrome.
The Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is characterized by periodic, sudden-onset episodes of hypersomnia, compulsive hyperphagia, and behavioral-emotional symptoms, lasting from a few days to a few weeks, with complete remission in the intercritical periods. We report on efficacy of lithium treatment in a highly recurring form of the disorder in a 17-year-old male adolescent. The decreasing severity of the disorder paralleled the progressive increase of lithium dosage, up to 0.9 mEq l(-1). Implications regarding the pharmacological treatment of this neglected disorder are discussed.
Muratori
F
F
Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Pisa (Italy), IRCCS Stella Maris, Via dei Giacinti 2, 56018 Calambrone (Pi), Italy. fmuratori@inpe.unipi.it
Bertini
N
N
Masi
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006963:Hyperphagia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013577:Syndrome
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate