Prevalence of restless genital syndrome and its impact on quality of life in women with restless legs syndrome

• Published in: Neurological research (New York) 2024-12, Vol.46 (12), p.1174-1180
• Main Authors: Manga Günaydin, Filiz, Tunç, Abdulkadir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Anxiety - epidemiology; Anxiety - psychology; Depression - epidemiology; Depression - psychology; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Quality of Life - psychology; Restless Legs Syndrome - epidemiology; Restless Legs Syndrome - psychology; Retrospective Studies; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - epidemiology; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - psychology
• ISSN: 0161-6412; 1743-1328; 1743-1328
• DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2024.2424574

Restless genital syndrome (RGS), also known as persistent genital arousal disorder, is a distressing condition characterized by unwanted genital arousal in the absence of sexual desire. This study explores the prevalence of RGS in women with restless legs syndrome (RLS), investigates the associated psychological impacts, and assesses the overall effect on quality of life. This retrospective study included 69 female patients who were diagnosed with RLS at two university medical centers. Data were collected via the RGS diagnostic form, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and WHOQOL-BREF quality of life scale. Statistical analyses were used to assess the correlation between RGS and psychological health measures. Approximately 44.9% of the participants with RLS also reported symptoms of RGS. Significant findings included increased nighttime and rest-related exacerbation of RGS symptoms. Compared with those without RGS, participants with RGS presented significantly higher anxiety and depression scores. Moreover, RGS significantly impacted physical health and social relationships, as indicated by lower WHOQOL-BREF scores. This study highlights a significant overlap between RGS and RLS, with substantial impacts on psychological well-being and quality of life. These findings underscore the importance of considering RGS in the clinical management of RLS, suggesting a need for integrated treatment strategies to address both the neurological and the psychological aspects of these conditions.