Prevalence and Outcomes of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Veterans
Abstract
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a commonly under diagnosed organi cause of insomnia. There is evidence that insomnia leads to psychic distress which impacts health care utilization. Purpose: To examine a proposed model which links RLS to insomnia, and insomnia to reduced mental health and increased utilization. Scope: To estimate the prevalence of RLS, insomnia, mood disorders, and substance abuse; quantify the proportion of mood disorders and substance abuse which are attributable to RLS and insomnia; document the diagnosis of RLS and insomnia; and estimate the association of RLS and insomnia to health care utilization and health related quality of life. Methods: A cross-sectional surey of a representative sample of Ohio VA clients using telephone interviews and data extracted from medical records. One year follow-up of health care utilization using postal questionnaire and medical records. Results: The prevalence of RSL and insomnia are high (22% and 16% respectively) as are mental health disorders (major depression, 20%; anxiety disorder, 12%; phobias, 14%; panic attack, 6%; alcohol dependence, 3%). Less than 5 % of RLS was documented in the medical record. RLS is associated with insomnia (PR = 1.5, p<.001) and 20% of the insomnia may be attributed (PAR) to RLS. As RLS is untreated in this population, the burden of insomnia might be reduced by 20% with effective treatment of RLS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468016
Entities
People
- Claire C. Bourguet