Association Between Restless Legs Syndrome and Adult ADHD in a German Community-Based Sample

Abstract

Objective: Previous research in clinical samples indicated a significant association between ADHD and restless legs syndrome (RLS). The present study examined the association between adult ADHD and RLS in the German population. Method: Self-rating instruments to assess RLS, childhood ADHD, and adult ADHD were administered to a community-based sample ( N = 1,632). In addition, current depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances, weight, and height were assessed by self-report. Results: Adult ADHD was associated with statistically significant increases in the odds of meeting diagnostic criteria for RLS even when adjusting for potential confounding variables such as weight (odds ratio [OR] = 3.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.29, 7.63], p< .001). However, the association did not hold true after adjusting for the presence of sleep disturbances (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = [0.82, 4.96], p = .13). Conclusion: The findings suggest a strong link between RLS and adult ADHD symptoms. Clinicians should be aware of RLS among adult ADHD patients, especially as there might be a negative interactive effect.