Efficacy of lithium treatment in Kleine–Levin syndrome

The Kleine–Levin syndrome (KLS) is characterized by periodic, sudden-onset episodes of hypersomnia, compulsive hyperphagia, and behavioral–emotional symptoms, lasting from a few days to a few weeks, with complete remission in the intercritical periods. We report on efficacy of lithium treatment in a highly recurring form of the disorder in a 17-year-old male adolescent. The decreasing severity of the disorder paralleled the progressive increase of lithium dosage, up to 0.9 mEq l–1. Implications regarding the pharmacological treatment of this neglected disorder are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]