Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Restless Legs Syndrome in Pediatric Populations with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent disorder in the pediatric population. Furthermore, there appears to be a special relationship between ADHD and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The objective of this review was therefore to provide an updated overview of the current literature regarding the prevalence of RLS and its potential clinical impact in pediatric ADHD subjects (<18 years). A systematic literature review was carried out in May 2025 in the PubMed-Medline database according to PRISMA criteria. After evaluation by two readers of the 147 identified articles, 9 articles investigating the prevalence of RLS with or without assessment of its potential clinical impact were selected for this systematic literature review. The prevalence of RLS in children and adolescents with ADHD showed significant variation, ranging from 11% to 54%. One study found a significant impact of RLS on academic performance and life skills in pediatric ADHD subjects. Three studies highlighted higher severity of ADHD complaints in subjects with comorbid RLS. One study reported higher RLS severity scores in the ADHD+RLS group and significantly more severe scores in the “hyperactive-impulsive” ADHD subtype. Two studies identified a significant association between a family history of RLS and RLS+ADHD comorbidity. Compared with the general pediatric population, the prevalence of RLS appears to be higher in pediatric ADHD subjects. Finally, this comorbid sleep disorder could worsen…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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