Research Article

Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome

Volume: 9 Number: 1 April 30, 2026
TR EN

Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is frequently accompanied by psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and disordered eating behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the association between RLS severity, depression, anxiety, and the risk of eating disorders. MATERIALS and METHODS: This retrospective study included 72 patients diagnosed with RLS and 44 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Depression, anxiety, and eating behaviors were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), respectively. Demographic data and scale scores were compared between groups. Depression and anxiety severity categories were also analyzed.

RESULTS: BDI and BAI scores were significantly higher in the RLS group compared with the control group (p=0.008 and p=0.001, respectively). Mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms were more common among RLS patients. Anxiety severity was also markedly higher in the patient group, with severe anxiety observed in 37.5% of patients compared with 9.1% of controls. Although EAT-40 scores and the frequency of eating disorder risk were higher in the RLS group, the differences were not statistically significant (p=0.267). BMI was slightly higher in the patient group but did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION: RLS is associated with significantly increased levels of depression and anxiety, highlighting a substantial neuropsychiatric burden in affected individuals. Although disordered eating tendencies appeared more common in RLS patients, further studies with larger samples are needed to clarify this relationship. Integrating psychiatric evaluation into the routine management of RLS may improve clinical outcomes and overall quality of life.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

No funding was received for this study

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine Clinical Research Ethics Committee (date: 20.09.2025, decision no: 464).

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

April 29, 2026

Publication Date

April 30, 2026

Submission Date

November 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 26, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 1

APA
Ucaroglu Can, N. (2026). Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome. Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi, 9(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.33713/egetbd.1829973
AMA
1.Ucaroglu Can N. Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome. Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026;9(1):1-7. doi:10.33713/egetbd.1829973
Chicago
Ucaroglu Can, Nimet. 2026. “Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome”. Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi 9 (1): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.33713/egetbd.1829973.
EndNote
Ucaroglu Can N (April 1, 2026) Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome. Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi 9 1 1–7.
IEEE
[1]N. Ucaroglu Can, “Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome”, Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1–7, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.33713/egetbd.1829973.
ISNAD
Ucaroglu Can, Nimet. “Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome”. Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi 9/1 (April 1, 2026): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.33713/egetbd.1829973.
JAMA
1.Ucaroglu Can N. Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome. Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026;9:1–7.
MLA
Ucaroglu Can, Nimet. “Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome”. Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 9, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 1-7, doi:10.33713/egetbd.1829973.
Vancouver
1.Nimet Ucaroglu Can. Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome. Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026 Apr. 1;9(1):1-7. doi:10.33713/egetbd.1829973

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