Kleine-Levin syndrome

Kleine-Levin syndrome

A disorder that occurs primarily in young males, three or four times a year. The syndrome is marked by episodes of hypersomnia, hypersexual behavior, and excessive eating.

Mentioned in: Sleep Disorders

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Kleine-Levin syndrome

[klīn′ lev′in]

Etymology: Willi Kleine, 20th century German psychiatrist; Max Levin, Russian-born American neurologist, b. 1901

a disorder of unknown cause often associated with psychotic conditions that is characterized by episodic sleep, abnormal hunger, and hyperactivity. The episodes of sleep may last for several hours or days and are followed by confusion on awakening. There is no specific treatment. Compare narcolepsy.

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Kleine-Levin syndrome

Psychiatry Periodic episodes of hypersomnia; first seen in adolescence, usually in boys, and accompanied by bulimia