Objective: To assess the frequency of impulse control disorders (ICDs) in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) with and without augmentation under dopaminergic therapy.

Background: Augmentation and ICDs are both serious complications of dopaminergic treatment of RLS but little is known about possible associations between these drug-induced disorders.

Methods: In total, 58 patients with RLS diagnosed according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria were recruited. Of these, 35 patients had augmentation. The presence of ICDs was assessed using semi-structural interviews.

Results: Demographic variables did not differ between RLS patients with and without augmentation. RLS patients with augmentation took significant higher dopaminergic medication than patients without augmentation. Twenty-two RLS patients (38.9%) had ICD symptoms, with twelve of these patients (20.7%) having definitive ICDs. Patients with augmentation had an increased risk of expressing ICDs (p<0.01, OR=5.64, 95% CI [1.59, 20.02]).

Conclusions: RLS patients with augmentation have an almost six-fold increased risk of exhibiting ICD symptoms, which implies that these two behaviours are related and may share a common pathophysiology. Moreover, our results have clinical implications, suggesting that RLS patients with augmentation should be screened for ICDs.

Previously presented in local congress.

« Back to 2016 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/augmentation-and-impulse-control-disorders-in-restless-legs-syndrome-coexistence-or-association/