Abstract

Objectives: In this study we analyzed the effect of diseases such as anemia, renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathy to the restless leg syndrome (RLS).

Patients and Methods: Four thousand five hundred patients, who have been seen in the general neurology clinic between January 2007 and December 2009 were evaluated retrospectively and 76 RLS cases were selected. Re-evaluation has been proposed to the patients with telephone calls. Fifty-five patients (36 females, mean age 55±14 years; 19 males, mean age 61±11 years) accepted the invitation and were re-evaluated. Neurological examinations and biochemical analysis has been made. Beck Depression and Anxiety scales were also applied to all patients.

Results: Seventy-six patients (1.2%) admitted to the general neurology clinic had been diagnosed with RLS. Mild-moderate depression was noted in 29 patients (52.7%) and generalized anxiety disorder was found in 26 patients (47.3%). Other comorbid diseases were iron deficiency anemia (14.5%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (14.5%), idiopathic Parkinson disease (3.6%), lumbar disc herniation (27.3%), hypertension (49.1%), coronary artery disease (32.7%) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (16.4%).

Conclusion: Many physical and mental disorders can be associated with RLS. Our results mostly support that, there is a clear association with anxiety, depressive disorders and RLS. This association might be due to reciprocal interactions and common pathophysiologies. Further examinations including experimental models are needed.