Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by leg paresthesia occurring primarily at rest leading to an irresistible need to move. Based on clinical evaluations, some authors have reported poor mental health status, especially anxiety and depression in patients with RLS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of anxiety symptoms using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) in RLS.
Forty drug-free patients diagnosed with idiopathic RLS (14 men, 26 women; age at consultation of 48.9 Β± 11.7; duration of illness of 20.2 Β± 14.5) were selected for this study. All patients were asked to fill out a validated French version of the BAI at their clinical evaluation. They were then recorded for one night of polysomnography (PSG) in the sleep laboratory.
The mean BAI score for the entire sample of patients is 9.4 Β± 7.3. The distribution of patients BAI scores according to anxiety levels defined in the revised BAI manual are summarized in the Table. Only 20% of the patients showed moderate to severe anxiety. No significant relationship was found between the BAI score and any of the following clinical (gender, age at consultation, duration of illness) or PSG parameters (sleep latency, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, microarousal index, periodic leg movements index). Table. Distribution of patients BAI scores according to the diagnostic ranges defined in the revised BAI manual. Anxiety level BAI score N % Minimal