Treatment wish of individuals with known and unknown restless legs syndrome in the community

摘要

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a frequent sleep disorder with a prevalence of 5 % to 15 % in Caucasion populations. Dopaminergic treatment is known to reduce sensorimotor RLS symptoms and is approved for RLS, but not all patients ask for treatment. About 2 % to 3 % of patients presenting to a primary care physician require RLS-specific treatment. The overall treatment preference of RLS sufferers, however, is still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and treatment preference in patients with previously diagnosed and those with yet undiagnosed RLS in a population-based survey in Germany.