Navigating narcolepsy: exploring coping strategies and their association with quality of life in patients with narcolepsy type 1

Abstract

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep episodes, disrupted nocturnal sleep, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations, which significantly impact the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals. While psychological factors have gained attention, there is limited research on the coping strategies employed by patients with NT1 and their association with quality of life. This study aimed to compare coping strategies in patients with NT1 and controls, as well as assess the relationship between coping strategies and quality of life in patients with NT1. A total of 122 individuals diagnosed with NT1 and 138 controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed questionnaires assessing coping strategies and health-related quality of life. A Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to compare the use of different coping strategies by patients with NT1 and controls. Spearman's rho correlation was performed to examine the association between coping strategies and quality of life in the NT1 group. Results showed that patients with NT1 exhibited differences in the use of coping strategies compared to controls. They reported lower use of active coping, planning, instrumental, and emotional social support, and higher use of behavioral and mental disengagement. Denial and behavioral disengagement were significantly and negatively associated with quality of life. Identifying coping strategies and their association with quality of life may aid in the development of tailored interventions aimed at improving the adoption of effective coping strategies and reducing the use of maladaptive coping strategies.