The relationship of depression with fatigue, quality of life, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with restless legs syndrome

Aims: This study examined the relationship between depression with fatigue, quality of life (QoL), and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Methods: This prospective study included patients diagnosed with RLS. Depression, fatigue, QoL and gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale, RLS QoL Questionnaire and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, respectively. Multiple regression was performed to determine the relationship between fatigue, QoL, gastrointestinal symptoms, and depression. Results: The final sample included 19 patients [mean age: 42.6 [+ or -] 12.7 years, female: 11 (57.9%)]. The level of depression positively correlated with fatigue, QoL, and gastrointestinal symptoms scores. These variables explained 57.1% of the variance in depression scores in patients with RLS (R=0.755, R2=0.571 F=6.645; p=0.005). Conclusions: This study showed that patients with RLS experience worsening QoL, fatigue, and increased gastrointestinal symptoms with increasing depression scores. Managing RLS may require tackling depression and depression-related symptoms with a multifaceted approach. Keywords: Restless legs syndrome, depression, fatigue, quality of life, and gastrointestinal diseases