Prevalence and correlates of restless leg syndrome in psychiatric outpatients in Lebanon

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent yet underdiagnosed neurological disorder that significantly affects quality of life. It is commonly associated with psychiatric conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. Epidemiological data on RLS prevalence among psychiatric populations are limited and virtually absent in Lebanon. This study estimated RLS prevalence among psychiatric outpatients and assessed its impact on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, and depression, comparing findings to international literature. In this cross-sectional study, adult psychiatric outpatients were screened using International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. Additional questionnaires included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7). Bivariate analysis compared patients with and without RLS. Multivariate regressions were utilized to adjust for potential confounders. Of 130 participants 25.4% had RLS. These patients showed significantly poorer sleep (PSQI = 11.18vs.8.10, p = 0.002), more depressive symptoms(PHQ-9 = 15.52vs.9.88,p < 0.001), and greater anxiety(GAD-7 = 15.26vs.9.51,p < 0.001), however, no significant difference was found in daytime sleepiness (ESS = 8.42vs.7.63,p = 0.405 ). RLS was significantly associated with suicidal ideation(p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between RLS severity and both sleep disruption and psychiatric symptom severity. In conclusion, RLS is highly prevalent among psychiatric outpatients in Lebanon and is strongly associated with worse mental health and increased suicidal ideation.