Screening for Sleep Disorders: Recognizing the Features and Presentations of Restless Legs Syndrome

Richard P. Allen, PhD

J Clin Psychiatry 2014;75(2):e04

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Article Abstract

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor condition with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. Patients with RLS are likely to experience sleep disturbances and have a reduced quality of life. Several misconceptions related to its name, symptoms, and prevalence can hinder the correct diagnosis of RLS. Clinicians should use diagnostic criteria and associated symptom features such as sleep disturbance and family history to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other medical and psychiatric conditions. Several validated tools may assist clinicians by providing sample questions to recognize the symptoms and severity of RLS.