A young man is often the object of his friend’s jokes because he drops to the floor whenever he is having a good laugh. Which of the following is this man most likely suffering from?
a.Cataplexy
b.narcolepsy
c.hysteria
d.drop seizures
e.histrionic personality
ans:
Cataplexy refers to a sudden loss of muscle tone (ranging in severity from weakness in the knee to a total loss of tone) triggered by strong emotions, which takes place during full wakefulness. Cataplexy is thought to be because of an abnormal intrusion of REM sleep phenomena in periods of wakefulness. It is usually treated with medications that reduce REM sleep, such as antidepressants. Cataplexy may be a symptom of narcolepsy, another dyssomnia characterized by the irresistible urge to fall asleep regardless of the situation.