Long-term treatment of patients suffering from Restless Legs syndrome does not improve satisfaction with life and sleep compared to healthy controls

Abstract

Research questions: Amongst the variety of disorders affecting sleep, the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) demands particular attention, because of its high clinical overlap with depressive symptoms. However, little is known about the long-term treatment outcome of patients suffering from RLS. Methods: Of 63 patients with diagnosed RLS, 38 (60%) were followed-up after 34 months. An age- and gender-matched control group (HC: healthy controls) was also recruited. Participants completed a series of questionnaires related to sleep, satisfaction with life, and psychological functioning, and a daily sleep-log for seven consecutive days and nights. Results: Groups did not differ with respect to age, gender, duration of disorder, and medication. Compared to controls, patients with RLS showed highly increased depressive symptoms, social withdrawal, and low perceived social support. Moreover, those patients with both diagnosed RLS and depressive symptoms showed higher scores of external locus of control and rumination, compared to HC and to patients with RLS. With respect to sleep, again compared to HC, patients with RLS reported prolonged sleep onset latency, an increased sleep fragmentation, and affected mood and sleep quality. Conclusions: Results: suggest the need to improve the long-term therapy of patients with RLS.