The Fall (Autumn) edition of the US RLS foundation magazine contains an article on increased suicide risk for RLS sufferers.
This confirms the study carried out by our former chairman Daragh.
However, I am bemused by the statement in the article which says “The reason for the higher rate of suicide is unclear “.
Clearly the writers have never experienced RLS or spoken in depth with anyone who has this nightly torture!
I accept that not everyone reading this post may have considered suicide but it is a serious issue and reflects the severity of this disease. It is life threatening.
I have never suffered depression or anxiety but in moments of utter, logical clarity, I have considered suicide. Why? Because the UNBEARABLE creepy crawly sensations and constant sleep disruption do make one consider whether continuing is worthwhile.
I must add that these thoughts do not occur very often but, if RLS also causes depression, then it’s a no brainer as to why there is an increased rate of suicide.
Yet another area of research where the doctors/ scientists show their ignorance of the severity and seriousness of this condition.
Dr Thomas Willis in the 1600’s described RLS as:
‘Wherefore to some, when being abed they
betake themselves to sleep, presently in the
arms and leggs, leapings and contractions to
the tendons, and so great a restlessness and
tossing of their members ensue, that the dis-
eased are no more able to sleep, than if they
were in a place of greatest torture”
Clearly a 17th century doctor understood the nightly “torture” but, sadly, it would seem 21st century doctors haven’t learned much in 4 centuries.
Rant over.
Written by
Joolsg
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Well put! Ranting allowed and I’m sure we’ll all rant with you 😉
Nice rant!
It's something I've been wondering recently, but it seems as though we tend to think of suicide as a psychological issue, whereas it might have some physiological basis.
It may be not just the impact of RLS symptoms, but part of a dopamine or other neurotransmitter dysfunction e.g. in the brains reward circuits.
Yes. I can only speak for myself but, in my case, it’s not psychological at all. I think of it in a very rational way. Weighing up the pros and cons etc. But it will be different for every one of us because, as we know with RLS, WAAD.
It's easy to see why, when faced with a life of constant pain or dis-ease, many of us think of or go ahead with killing ourselves. I have often considered suicide, it allows me (while in the depth of pain and discomfort and unable to be at peace) to content myself that IF it gets too much I can put an end to it.
There are so many problems that come with RLS, everything from being easily irritated due to lack of sleep right up to all the cognition problems DA's cause and every horrible thing and its dog between that it is not surprising we sometimes take this route out.
I am grateful that no matter how bad things get I have a support and knowledge base here that will keep me right. So if you are reading this and also of ending it all, think twice and reach out. You will find someone to help.
Exactly- and add the horrible sensations for a double whammy.
Whilst trying to avoid going into lecture mode, I thought it might be of some interest to write a little I've found out about the biology of suicide.
As you would expect, like RLS, it's really complicated. It isn't as I had imagined anything directly connected with dopamine.
It seems that suicide has two main elements which go under various names but are a predisposition and stress.
The predisposition may be genetic in origin, or it may come about as a result of experiences in childhood formative years.
Suicide seems to require a combination of 3 neurobiological systems. Two of them are responsible for regulating stress responses, the HPA Axis and Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine). The third is the Serotoninergic system.
As far as I can interpret it, suicidal ideation occurs when there is an underlying dysfunction of serotonin on top of which there is an induced dysfunction of the HPA Axis.
RLS can, by causing prolonged stress, bring about a dysfunction of the HPA Axis
To cut a long monologue short, it's not surprising that RLS might lead to suicidal thoughts, suicidal behaviour or completed suicide, but some people are going to be more prone than others.
I can hear what you are all saying about how much RLS can drive us to distraction. It can be really awful, I agree, but I'm just a bit concerned about how depressing this conversation may be to people who are new to this forum. My cousin got medical help for RLS which she felt transformed her life, and I do gather there are a number of different treatment options.
So I agree we need a lot more clarity and probably research into RLS. But thank goodness for those medics who are genuinely trying to help, and PLEASE my friends, don't give up hope.
When I'm feeling really at my worst, I keep the Samaritans number handy - 116 123.
Oh please let me know you’re alright. I can see from your posts on other sites that you also have severe anxiety and that you had a tough time over Christmas.
You have absolutely nothing to feel ashamed about- in fact the opposite- you have bravely admitted you needed help when you were in a very dark place.
It’s difficult to have any mental health issue and RLS can make everything feel 1000% worse.
These sites are here to give support, especially when times are really tough.
Have you spoken to your doctors?
Many anti depressants can worsen RLS so do ask your GP to consider counselling & CBT as well as a safe anti depressant like trazodone or wellbutrin.
Do you have any local sipport groups where you can meet others?
Hello and thanks for your response. I am ok now, well I need help but I am no longer suicidal. I do have a family support group, myself and 2 others. You called the meds I need, I do take wellbutrin and trazadone. I am in close contact with my GP and I have a counselor now, so I am working on getting better. Thanks again.
Well i am glad you are still here with us NoRegret. We had a member who was very close to ending it and this group managed to keep talking to him and give him advise, he came through it , screen name Nick the Turk, if anyone wants to search and read about his journey.
I agree that it’s depressing reading and I apologise for that. Another article on the same subject appeared in the RLS UK newsletter sent out today so it is high up in the latest research news on both sides of the Atlantic. Research can only help raise the profile of RLS and improve knowledge amongst the medical profession.
It isn't RLS which causes suicide but the lack of proper medical treatment. This, coupled with the attitude of many physicians that patients are exaggerating their symptoms , leaves many sufferers feeling hopeless. Having no where to turn and being driven mad by nightly torture, I am surprised the number of suicides isn't higher. The lack of concern from the medical community is criminal .
It is. That’s why the research on this issue on both sides of the Atlantic is so useful. Hopefully the medical profession will pay attention when they see the suicide risk for RLS is higher than for any other neurological disease, & yet the other diseases get all the new drugs.
Take MS- the new drugs have completely changed the course of the disease for most in the Western world. We need new drugs for RLS as a matter of urgency.
It is very difficult to post only positive things. Suicide is real and conversations about it should not cause shame. Conversations are absolutely necessary. In my humble opinion.
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