Epidemiology of restless legs syndrome in French adults: a nationwide survey: the INSTANT Study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in France.


METHODS
In this population-based survey, face-to-face home interviews were conducted among a random sample of 10,263 French adults. A French translation of the four features defined by the International RLS Study Group in 1995 was used to assess the prevalence of symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of RLS. Data on severity of symptoms and their management were also collected.


RESULTS
The 12-month prevalence of RLS symptoms in the French adult population was estimated to be 8.5% (95% CI 8.0%, 9.0%), with a higher prevalence (p < 0.001) observed in women (10.8%) than in men (5.8%). Prevalence increases with age until 64 years and decreases thereafter in both sexes. Half of the identified subjects reported symptoms once a week at least. Symptoms were more severe in subjects reporting symptoms once a week at least compared to subjects with less frequent symptoms. In this group, half of the subjects reported a family history, the age at onset was earlier, and severity of symptoms higher. RLS had been previously diagnosed in only 5.3% of the subjects who reported previous medical diagnosis, and recommended RLS drug treatment was received by 3.4% of the 28.7% currently treated subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) occurred in 10% of women and 5% of men. RLS prevalence decreases after the age of 64. RLS is often underdiagnosed and few subjects receive recommended RLS drug treatment.
Tison
F
F
Hôpital Haut Levêque, Pessac, France.
Crochard
A
A
Léger
D
D
Bouée
S
S
Lainey
E
E
El Hasnaoui
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000639:trends; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005791:Patient Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome