Periodic hypersomnia and megaphagia (The Kleine-Levin syndrome)

Summary

A case of periodic hypersomnia associated with megaphagia is described in a 19-year-old Caucasian female. Physical investigations, which included an EEG, examination of spinal fluid and blood chemistry, gave normal results, and thus excluded many physical causes of hypersomnia and excessive food intake. Psychodynamics were studied through psychological testing and through the examination of unconscious material in psychotherapeutic sessions. These revealed conflicts in the heterosexual sphere and some homosexual features. These proved to be secondary to deeper oral conflicts.

Several dreams which demonstrate this psychopathology are described. No simple psychosomatic link, such as is found in bronchial asthma, could be found here, but it is postulated that a hypothalamic disturbance of unknown etiology combined with a personality dominated by oral conflict may be the basis of this syndrome. It is suggested that psychotherapy may have a place to play in its treatment, especially when this type of psychopathology is found.