AUTHOR=Hlodak Jan , Geckova Andrea Madarasova , Veselska Zuzana Dankulincova , Bosakova Lucia , Feketeova Eva 

TITLE=‘It’s hard to feel this way every single day’: patients’ perspectives on the emotional burden of narcolepsy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1611500

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1611500

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=BackgroundNarcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and, in the case of narcolepsy type 1, cataplexy. Patients may also experience various sleep disturbances, including hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and vivid dreaming. Beyond its clinical symptoms, narcolepsy impacts aspects of daily life, social functioning, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Despite the substantial burden associated with the disorder, qualitative research exploring the emotional burden of individuals with narcolepsy is limited.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted using narrative semi-structured interviews with 25 individuals diagnosed with narcolepsy. The interview framework was validated by a multidisciplinary panel of experts to ensure methodological rigor. Interviews were conducted either in the patients’ homes or hospital settings, transcribed verbatim, and then analyzed inductively to develop a comprehensive codebook. A thematic analysis was then performed to identify key patterns and insights into the lived experiences of individuals with narcolepsy.ResultsIn-depth patient interviews revealed key themes related to the emotional burden of narcolepsy. The onset of symptoms was identified as particularly distressing, evoking feelings of shame, embarrassment, and fear. Symptom manifestation also affected self-perception and important roles in life. Additionally, patients’ experiences of daily life, along with their future aspirations and expectations, contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with narcolepsy.ConclusionThe impact of narcolepsy is linked with the emotional experiences and self-perception of patients, influencing their quality of life. This burden may also contribute to potential diagnostic delays and hinder the timely initiation of treatment.