Investigation of alexithymia and levels of anxiety and depression among patients with restless legs syndrome

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine alexithymia among restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients, compare with healthy controls, and argue the clinical inferences of this relationship. We searched for anxiety and depression and their clinical outcomes among patients and searched whether the results are similar to previous studies.Patients and methodsEighty-seven RLS patients and 88 age, gender, and educationally matched healthy controls were assessed in Bezmialem Foundation University Hospital. RLS patients and healthy controls were assessed with the Sociodemographic Data Form constructed for the present study, 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS). The patient group was also assessed with the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) RLS Severity Scale.ResultsRLS patients were found to have greater TAS-20, BDI, and BAS scores compared with the control group (P < 0.05). RLS severity score was positively correlated with the scores of anxiety and depression scales. However, no significant relationship was found between scores of IRLSSG RLS scale and TAS-20 total and subscale scores.ConclusionRLS patients were found to be more alexithymic than healthy controls, whereas no significant relationship was found between RLS severity and levels of alexithymia. Still, alexithymia might be a predictor for early diagnosis and may be considered in the treatment and follow-up of RLS. RLS patients have higher depression and anxiety scores than healthy individuals. Thus, depression and anxiety should be taken into consideration throughout the RLS treatment.

Augmentation in restless legs syndrome: an eye tracking study on emotion processing

“…However, the mean scores in the AUG group (>50) almost reached the established cut off score for borderline alexithymia (≥52), and borderline alexithymia scores were previously linked with emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, and aggression 33 . Furthermore, and in contrast to a previous study, 34 we did not find a significant difference on the TAS‐20 scores between RLS patients without augmentation and healthy controls. It is possible that a subgroup of patients in the previous study by Yilmaz et al 34 had augmentation or ICD symptoms which may have influenced their results.…”

“…Furthermore, and in contrast to a previous study, 34 we did not find a significant difference on the TAS‐20 scores between RLS patients without augmentation and healthy controls. It is possible that a subgroup of patients in the previous study by Yilmaz et al 34 had augmentation or ICD symptoms which may have influenced their results.…”

Association of Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression with Restless Leg Syndrome in the Hemodialysis Patients

“…Our study, in contrast to the studies above, does not show similar results that may indicate any impairment of QOL amongst RLS patients on hemodialysis. Even though Yilmaz et al ascertained that depression and anxiety co-existed in RLS [23], we failed to establish any signi cant correlation.…”

Effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine Shaoyao Gancao Tang for the treatment of restless leg syndrome

“…[ 2 3 4 ] Studies show that RLS frequently interrupts patients’ sleep, causes insomnia, associates with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases, triggers anxiety and depression, thus impairs the quality of life. [ 5 6 7 8 9 10 ] Currently, dopamine agonist medications such as pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat RLS; however, their side effects, including sleepiness, dizziness, or augmentation during medication, reduce their compliance. [ 11 12 ]…”