Psychiatric Comorbidities in Pediatric Restless Leg Syndrome

Pediatric RLS is often in comorbidity with different psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions, namely ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders. Psychiatric and neurodevelopmental comorbidities need to be known and investigated as early as possible to better target the treatment in pediatric age. A complete evaluation of RLS and comorbidities includes an accurate anamnesis focused on family history of sleep disorders and other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, and tools to evaluate internalizing and externalizing symptoms. For treating RLS with ADHD, consider dopaminergic medications or alpha-2 agonists like clonidine for their dual benefits. More data on stimulants like MPH is needed. A tailored treatment for RLS with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental comorbidities should always consider the effects of drugs used in psychiatric therapies.