Episodic hypersomnia, compulsive excessive eating and erotic behaviour, with schizophrenic-like mental symptoms are the hallmarks of the rare Kleine–Levin syndrome. This paper traces the origins of its description back to the 18th century and the changing concepts of its complex organic-psychogenic aetiology. The eventual, spontaneous disappearance of the syndrome is unexplained.

Keywords:
Kleine–Levin syndrome, Episodic hypersomnia, Compulsive eating, Sexual behaviour, Diencephalon, Hypothalamus
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© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
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