title: Restless legs syndrome: a qualitative analysis of psychosocial suffering and interdisciplinary attention.
abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate psychosocial factors related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with restless legs syndrome. Fifteen patients were interviewed at the Neuro-Sono Outpatient Clinic, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. The results were submitted to a qualitative analysis. We identified four content categories: illness description, illness history, illness experience, and relationships. Lack of control over the body and lack of recognition by professionals produce stigma and lead patients to suffering. The research underscores the relevance of psychosocial factors to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with restless legs syndrome and the importance of having interdisciplinary teams when attending patients with restless legs syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria José V
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Varela
authors.forename: João E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Coin-Carvalho
authors.forename: Luciane B C
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: Maite V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Varela
authors.forename: Clarisse
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Potasz
authors.forename: Lucila B F
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Prado
authors.forename: Gilmar F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: do Prado
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011584:Psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology