RLS linked to ADHD?

[Theonlypetied]

I have recently been getting ads appear on my Facebook feed for apps to help with ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD listed include RLS. Any thoughts?

[Islay9]

I have both. I’ve seen it talked about a bit on ADHD pages. It has a dopamine link…

[Joolsg]

Lots of studies link the two.

[amrob123]

Yes, there's a well established connection between the two conditions. Approx 25 to 50% of people with ADHD also have RLS. And 10 to 20% of people with RLS also have ADHD.

[intermk]

17 years after RLS first hit me I was diagnosed with ADHD. But, did it take 17 years for ADHD to begin? I think not, based on what my docs told me at the time, I likely had ADHD for years already.

[GaryHB in reply to intermk]

So interesting. What were your symptoms if you don't mind me asking?

[intermk in reply to GaryHB]

I don't really recall much since it's been 24 years since the diagnosis. I didn't go in to see a doctor about ADHD, I went complaining about a cognitive issue. I'd had four TBI's in the military and felt like one of them, if not all four, caused me to have difficulty speaking, reading and controlling emotions. After a lot of questioning, some testing including blood work, they told me that cognitively I seemed fine to them but that I do have ADHD. My response was: WHAT?!?

[Theonlypetied in reply to intermk]

That’s interesting. I’m nearly 60 and have only become aware of ADHD symptoms since both my adult children have been diagnosed with ADHD. As I’ve learned so I can better understand them, I’ve seen so much of me too. My wife concurs!

[amrob123 in reply to Theonlypetied]

Like you, I became aware that I in all likelihood also have it after my young son was tested for it. But because my symptoms didn't follow the more recognised hyperactive subtype, i had never even contemplated that I could have it. My understanding of the condition has certainly broadened since.

[intermk in reply to Theonlypetied]

I'm 71 now and was diagnosed in 2001. It was a rather shocking revelation. They offered medicine to control the symptoms but I didn't get any help from that medicine. And I didn't pursue other meds. I've learned to live with the issues and in retirement it's not that big of a deal in my opinion. Working full time in the medical field, it was a big deal.

[AKightley]

I’m waiting for my adhd assessment and have seen the links written about, I’m hoping to ask my assessor, I’ve read somewhere that ADHD meds can help. Not sure how though.

[Theonlypetied in reply to AKightley]

and is your ADHD assessment because of RLS diagnosis?

[AKightley in reply to Theonlypetied]

No however it did spur me on. I’ve been suspicious for 10 years that I have adhd but decided a diagnosis would make no difference (58yrs) then when I saw the links between RLS and AdHd everything slotted together along with a past unhealthy relationship with alcohol I seem to tick a lot of stereotypical boxes!

[Eryl]

The connection is that they are both impacted greatly by inflammation of the nerves and that inflammation is commonly caused by diet. Lists are available widely of foods that cause inflammation. I have been free of RLS since I targeted lowering systemic inflammation caused by diet and I have never taken any medication.

[BokChi in reply to Eryl]

May I ask what diet are you on?

[Eryl in reply to BokChi]

I try to avoid processed foods, foods containing refined sugars and staches, even foods made from flour and foods containing refined seed oils (what's labeled 'vegetable oil')

[Biscuitface in reply to Eryl]

Would you recommend any books on the subject?

[Eryl in reply to Biscuitface]

I heve not read books on the subject but got most of my information from around sixteen years of research on youtube and following Dr Mark Hyman and others on Facebook. however one book I have seen on Amazon is 'The Inflammation Spectrum' by Dr Will Cole. Amazon will no doubt suggest other similar books.

[HawkintheHills in reply to Eryl]

Although I think the connection is more than merely inflammation, I'll second the idea that diet really matters for both conditions. There's considerable science at this point that a very low carb/keto diet free from processed food improves both (including for me).

[4Curiousosity]

I have both. I’ve never heard of a link, but I guess it makes sense

[HawkintheHills]

I'm sure both are linked to dopamine (and/or iron) dysfunction in the brain. Along with addiction, actually. Everyone in my entire family has one, two, or all three, and everyone in the latest generation is pretty far along the ADHD/autism spectrum as well.

[AKightley in reply to HawkintheHills]

Yes I’ve commented above, I’m waiting for an adhd diagnosis, I don’t really need a diagnosis however the links to RLS and a past unhealthy relationship with alcohol are so strong I want to understand more!

[Delilah162]

I have rls and plmd I'm waiting for a adhd assessment. I've seen lots of bits and bobs saying there's a link.

[Theonlypetied in reply to Delilah162]

Is the assessment because you have RLS/PLMD and are routinely being tested for ADHD because of summat else?

[Delilah162 in reply to Theonlypetied]

No it's completely separate to my rls/plmd. Since peri-menopause my adhd symptoms have been very hard to manage. Dr thinks it was missed when I was in school. I've done the assessment form and just on the waiting list for formal assessment now.