Prevalence of restless leg syndrome in subjects with depressive disorder

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is known to be associated with depression. We hypothesized that RLS in depression is linked to the severity, duration, and frequency of depressive episodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects fulfilling DSM-IV-TR criteria of depressive disorders were included in this study after seeking informed consent. Using structured interview of MINI-Plus their demographic data and history were recorded. Severity of depression was assessed with the help of HAM-D. Insomnia was diagnosed following ICSD-2 criteria. RLS was diagnosed according to IRLSSG criteria. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, independent sample t test and MANOVA were computed with the help of SPSS v 17.0. RESULTS: RLS was reported by 31.48% of sample. There was no gender difference in prevalence of RLS (X(2) =0.46; P=0.33). There was no difference in the age , total duration of depressive illness and number of depressive episodes between RLS and non-RLS groups (F=0.44; P=0.77; Wilk's Lambda=0.96). The HAM-D score was higher in the non-RLS group (P=0.03). Onset of RLS symptoms was not related to onset of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: RLS is prevalent in depressive disorder. However, onset of RLS is unrelated to age and number or duration of depressive disorders.