Restless Legs Syndrome and Mental Health Problems in Peripartum Women: A Prospective Study

Background: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) affects about 25% of pregnant women and is associated with peripartum depression. However, other mental health problems were not investigated. The study aimed to examine differences between women with and without RLS in depression, anxiety, and stress over the peripartum period. Method: Pregnant women with and without RLS were followed from pregnancy (T1) to two months postpartum (T2) (N = 259). They completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 on each occasion and the Restless Legs Syndrome Scale. Results: Women with RLS (26.6%) diagnosed in pregnancy had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared with women without RLS during pregnancy and two months postpartum. Conclusions: Women with RLS had significantly impaired mental health, not just during pregnancy but up to two months postpartum. Women with RLS should be given special attention, and the possible shared mechanisms underlying RLS and mental health should be investigated further.