The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Editorial

The Use of Dopamine Agonist in the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome: Caution for Practitioners and Bipolar Patients

Authors: Adrian C. Buckner, MD

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a commonly “undiagnosed and untreated” pathology seen in the primary care physicians’ (PCP) office.1 One particular area of concern is in treating patients with comorbid psychiatric issues. Of primary concern is the bipolar patient who is often unrecognized and treated by the PCP.2

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1.Ball E, Caivano CK. Internal medicine: guidance to the diagnosis and management of restless legs syndrome. South Med J 2008;101(6):631–634.
 
2.Muzina DJ. Bipolar spectrum disorder: differential diagnosis and treatment. Prim Care 2007;34:521–550, vi.
 
3.Lesser IM, Leuchter AF, Trivedi MH, et al. Insured and non-insured depressed outpatients: how do they compare? Ann Clin Psychiatry 2007;19:73–82.
 
4.Lader M. Pharmacotherapy of mood disorders and treatment discontinuation. Drugs 2007;67:1657–1663.
 
5.Elliott RL. Depression in primary care. Ethn Dis 2007;17(2 suppl 2): S2-28–S2-33.
 
6.Gonda X, Fountoulakis KN, Kaprinis G, et al. Prediction and prevention of suicide in patients with unipolar depression and anxiety. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2007;6:23.
 
7.Miklowitz DJ, Johnson SL. The psychopathology and treatment of bipolar disorder. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2006;2:199–235. Review.
 
8.Berk M, Dodd S, Kauer-Sant’anna M, et al. Dopamine dysregulation syndrome: implications for a dopamine hypothesis of bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl 2007;434:41–49.
 
9.Clark RE, Samnaliev M, McGovern MP. Treatment for co-occurring mental and substance use disorders in five state Medicaid programs. Psychiatr Serv 2007;58:942–948.