Link between RLS and ADD?

    
      Re: Link between RLS and ADD?
    


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Posted by ccf neuro M.D.* on November 23, 1997 at 12:58:46:

In Reply to: Link between RLS and ADD? posted by David Robinson on November 05, 1997 at 18:08:12:
  I am thirty-six years old, and was recently diagnosed with RLS which is being treated with Tegratol. About a year later, I was diagnosed with "adult" ADD. Based upon the symptoms, I've had both problems since childhood. No one on either side of my family has either condition, which leads me to beleive this may be a random mutation rather than autosomal dominant heredity, since I also do not have iron deficiency, anemia, etc. I can't help but wonder if RLS and ADD are somehow related. If so, is there one drug that can be used to treat both?
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David,
An interesting question. They certainly have restlessness and fidgeting and a sense that one can't sit still in common!!! Restless legs syndrome is usually treated with benzodiazepine type medications such as clonazepam (Klonapin) or L-DOPA (sinemet), whereas ADD by contrast often requires treatment with stimulant drugs such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) or dextroamphetamine (Dexadrin), which would certainly suggest very different underlying chemical imbalances as the respective causes for each disorder. I think the main question and issue in your case is whether or not you have true restless legs syndrome, or whether the fidgeting of your legs is just one of many manifestations of restlessness and fidgeting caused by the ADD. If after taking medication for the ADD, the restless legs problem persists, then I think you may simply be unfortunate enough to have both disorders versus if both improve, a single diagnosis of ADD would be more probable. It is very unusual for restless legs syndrome to start in childhood or young adulthood. I am not aware of any genetic linkage bewteen the two disorders, although more and more genetic information comes to light daily. Please remember that information provided on the forum is intended for general medicla informational purposes only, and that th eactual diagnosius and treatment of your specific medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s). If you would be interested in a second opinion from a Cleveland Clinic staff neurologist, the department of neurology's phone number is 1-800-223-2273; ask for extension 45559. We hope you find the information useful.