KLEINE-LEVIN-SYNDROME IN ADOLESCENTS BEHAVIOR DISORDERS SPECTRUM

The Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare condition, usually occuring in you ng males. Typically, this syndrome is characterized by recurrent attac ks of hypersomnia, compulsive food-intake and hypersexuality. Males ar e more frequently affected, and onset is during adolescence. The durat ion of hypersomniac episodes varies from 12 hours to 3-4 weeks, separa ted by asymptomatic intervals. The present case provides evidence that this syndrome remains poorly recognized since the diagnosis has been established six years after the onset, Possible disturbances on the el ectroencephalogram may well bead ro erroneous diagnosis, including sei zures. Finally this pathological condition points to the co-occurence of sleep disturbances and specific behavioural abnormalities.