Restless Legs Syndrome Linked to Increased Risk for Self-Harm or Suicide

I thought this was interesting that there could be a relationship between the two so I wanted to share it.

By Amy Orciari Herman

Adults with restless legs syndrome (RLS) may be at increased risk for suicide or self-harm, according to a JAMA Network Open study.

Using a large U.S. health claims database, researchers matched roughly 25,000 adults aged 20 and older with RLS to 145,000 without the condition. During a mean 5 years’ follow-up, there were 119 cases of suicide or self-harm. After adjustment for age, depression, sleep disorders, and other chronic conditions, those with RLS had a 2.7-fold higher risk for suicide or self-harm than those without RLS.

The researchers point to numerous study limitations, including the inability to distinguish suicide cases from self-harm. Nonetheless, they conclude: “Given the high prevalence of RLS and increasing incidence of suicide in the United States, it may be critical to consider assessment for suicide risk factors and suicidal ideation, as well as potential psychological interventions and suicidal management in the treatment of individuals with RLS.”