L-Dopa improves Restless Legs Syndrome and periodic limb movements in sleep but not Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder in a double-blind trial in children.

Background: In a previous open-label study, dopaminergic agents improved Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS), as well as Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children with both disorders. We therefore conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of L-DOPA in ADHD children with and without RLS/PLMS.

Methods: Two groups of patients (total n = 29), those with ADHD only or those with ADHD and RLS/PLMS, were randomized to L-DOPA or placebo therapy.

Preliminary study of the prevalence of restless legs syndrome in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Several previous studies have shown that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is common in children with Restless Legs Syndrome and ADHD is more common in adults with this syndrome. This pilot study examined the prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome in adults with ADHD, showing six of 30 adult ADHD participants (20%) had Restless Legs Syndrome. This estimate exceeds the prevalence (7.