A classic description of the association of the signs and symptoms of the PICKWICKIAN SYNDROME was written by Charles Dickens. The author refers to "a fat and red-faced boy in a state of somnolency." This boy was subsequently addressed as YOUNG DROPSY, YOUNG OPIUM-EATER AND YOUNG BOA CONSTRICTOR—no doubt in reference to his obesity, his somnolence and his excessive appetite.
A characteristic of these patients is an extraordinary degree of somnolence in which sleep may overcome the patient while he is sitting up or even while he is engaged in conversation or other muscular activity.