Restless Legs Syndrome Prevalence and Clinical Correlates Among Psychiatric Inpatients: A Multicenter Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Limited data exists on Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) prevalence in psychiatric patients.
• This study investigates RLS prevalence and clinical correlates in German and Swiss psychiatric inpatients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of RLS in psychiatric inpatients.
• To identify clinical factors associated with RLS in this population.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, cross-sectional study involving 317 psychiatric inpatients over 18 years old.
• Diagnosis and severity assessment using International RLS Study Group criteria and IRLS scale.
• Evaluation of sociodemographic data, sleep quality (PSQI, ISI, ESS), and mood (PHQ-9).

Main Results:

• RLS prevalence was 16.4%, with 76.9% newly diagnosed.
• Higher RLS prevalence observed in women, those with a family history of RLS, and higher BMI.
• Poorer sleep quality (PSQI, ISI, ESS scores) was associated with RLS, but mood (PHQ-9) was not.
• Predictors for RLS included female gender, family history, higher ESS scores, and lower alcohol consumption.

Conclusions:

• Clinically significant RLS is highly prevalent in psychiatric patients.
• RLS is associated with increased BMI, impaired sleep quality, and reduced alcohol consumption.
• Systematic RLS screening may improve psychiatric patient care.