Assessment of Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome
Öz
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.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Destekleyen Kurum
Etik Beyan
Kaynakça
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Nöroloji ve Nöromüsküler Hastalıklar
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yazarlar
Erken Görünüm Tarihi
29 Nisan 2026
Yayımlanma Tarihi
30 Nisan 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
25 Kasım 2025
Kabul Tarihi
26 Şubat 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1