Roy M, de Zwaan M, Tuin I, Philipsen A, Brähler E, Müller A. Association Between Restless Legs Syndrome and Adult ADHD in a German Community-Based Sample.
J Atten Disord 2018;
22:300-308. [PMID:
25555628 DOI:
10.1177/1087054714561291]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Previous research in clinical samples indicated a significant association between ADHD and restless legs syndrome (RLS). The present study examined the association between adult ADHD and RLS in the German population.
METHOD
Self-rating instruments to assess RLS, childhood ADHD, and adult ADHD were administered to a community-based sample ( N = 1,632). In addition, current depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances, weight, and height were assessed by self-report.
RESULTS
Adult ADHD was associated with statistically significant increases in the odds of meeting diagnostic criteria for RLS even when adjusting for potential confounding variables such as weight (odds ratio [OR] = 3.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.29, 7.63], p< .001). However, the association did not hold true after adjusting for the presence of sleep disturbances (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = [0.82, 4.96], p = .13).
CONCLUSION
The findings suggest a strong link between RLS and adult ADHD symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of RLS among adult ADHD patients, especially as there might be a negative interactive effect.
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