Effectiveness of Lithium Treatment in Kleine-Levin Syndrome: A Case Report

Published

2025-05-31

How to Cite

Romero Teruel, A., Pina-Camacho, L., Espliego-Felipe, A., Camacho-Rubio, J., Chacón-Pascual, A., Vázquez-López, M., & Carballo, J. J. (2025). Effectiveness of Lithium Treatment in Kleine-Levin Syndrome: A Case Report. Revista De Psiquiatría Infanto-Juvenil, 42(2), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.31766/revpsij.v42n2a5

Issue

Section

Case reports

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31766/revpsij.v42n2a5

Keywords:

Klein-Levin Syndrome, disorders of excessive somnolence, lithium

Abstract

Introduction: This case describes a 14-year-old male patient diagnosed with Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), who was attended by the Child and Adolescent Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Team after presenting two episodes of hypersomnia and behavioral disturbances. Given the severity and recurrence of the episodes, a multidisciplinary approach was implemented, including discussions on differential diagnosis and consensus on therapeutic management. Case description: Due to the lack of response to conventional treatments, treatment with lithium carbonate was initiated, leading to a rapid remission of symptoms and the prevention of new episodes over a 12-month follow-up. The patient subsequently experienced a brief relapse with lower intensity and shorter duration, which was stabilized after adjusting the lithium dose. Discussion and conclusions: This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing KLS, as well as the therapeutic potential of lithium for severe and refractory cases.

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Author Biographies

Alejandro Romero Teruel, Hospital Dr. Rodríguez Lafora

Departamento de Psiquiatría, Hospital Dr. Rodríguez Lafora, Madrid, España.

Laura Pina-Camacho, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón

Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y Adolescente, Instituto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España.

Ana Espliego-Felipe, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón

Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y Adolescente, Instituto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España.

Javier Camacho-Rubio, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón

Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y Adolescente, Instituto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España. 

Almudena Chacón-Pascual, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón

Sección de Neuropediatría, Servicio de Pediatría y ACEs, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España. 

María Vázquez-López, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón

Sección de Neuropediatría, Servicio de Pediatría y ACEs, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España.

Juan José Carballo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón

Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y Adolescente, Instituto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España. 

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