Prevalence and Outcomes of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Veterans

Abstract

Abstract : Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant, abnormal feelings in the legs and occasionally arms which occur at rest and when initiating sleep. The sufferer experiences an uncontrollable urge to move in order to relieve symptoms. RLS interferes with the ability to fall asleep or to maintain sleep. The resulting sleep deprivation can interfere with family life, social activities, and job performance. RLS is a commonly underdiagnosed organic cause of insomnia. There is evidence that insomnia leads to psychic distress which impacts health care utilization. The purpose of this study was to examine a proposed model that inks RLS to insomnia, and insomnia to reduced mental health and increased health care utilization. The study estimates the prevalence of RLS, insomnia, mood disorders, and substance abuse; quantifies the proportion of mood disorders and substance abuse that are attributable to RLS and insomnia; documents the diagnosis of RLS and insomnia; and estimates the association of RLS and insomnia to health care utilization and health-related quality of life. The author conducted a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of Ohio Veterans Administration clients using telephone interviews and data extracted from medical records. A 1-year followup of health care utilization was performed using postal questionnaires and medical records. The results showed that the prevalence of RLS and insomnia are high (22% and 16%, respectively) in this population, as are mental health disorders (major depression 20%, anxiety disorder 12%, phobias 14%, panic attack 6%, and alcohol dependence 3%). Less than 5% of RLS was documented in the medical records. RLS is associated with insomnia (PR = 1.5, p<.001) and 20% of the insomnia may be attributed to RLS. The burden of insomnia might be reduced by 20% in this population with effective treatment of RLS.