Table 4.
Published studies investigating the relationship between ADHD and RLS in children
| Study | Sample size (n) | Age (years) | Study design | Medication | Measurement | Major findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD symptoms | ||||||
| Picchietti and Stevens54 | 18 RLS | 8–24 | Cross-sectional, clinic-based | NA | NIH-specific pediatric criteria | ADHD (72%) is a common comorbidity of RLS. |
| Konofal et al55 | 12 ADHD + RLS 10 ADHD 10 controls |
5–8 | Cross-sectional, clinic-based | Unmedicated | NIH-specific pediatric criteria CPRS |
Children with ADHD and a positive family of RLS are at risk of severe ADHD symptoms. |
| Rajaram et al57 | 11 ADHD 10 controls |
5–12 | Cross-sectional, clinic-based | NA | Children and parent’s reports | Some ADHD children with growing pains may actually have RLS. |
| Kotagal and Silber56 | 32 RLS | <18 | Cross-sectional, clinic-based | NA | PSG | Inattentiveness was seen in 8 of 32 subjects (25%). |
| Chervin et al58 | 866 | 2–13 | Cross-sectional, community-based | NA | PSQ CPRS |
Inattention and hyperactivity in general pediatric patients associated with symptoms of RLS. |
| Chervin et al59 | 27 ADHD 43 non-ADHD psychiatry subjects 73 general pediatric subjects |
2–18 | Cross-sectional, clinic-based | NA | PSQ CPRS |
Complaint of restless legs and a composite score for daytime sleepiness showed some evidence of an association with inattention and hyperactivity. |
| ADHD diagnosis | ||||||
| Picchietti et al48 | 14 ADHD 10 control |
5–12 | Cross-sectional, clinic-based | Unmedicated | PSG | ADHD children’s parents (32%) were more likely to have RLS than the control parents. |
Abbreviations: ADHD, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; PSQ, Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire; CPRS, Conners’ Parent Rating Scale; NA, not applicable; NIH, National Institutes of Health; PSG, polysomnography; RLS, restless legs syndrome.