[Restless legs syndrome is highly underdiagnosed in a neurologic-psychiatric outpatient clinic]

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that is characterized by the irresistible urge to move the legs and is very common. In the last decade, much attention has been focused on RLS, given its high occurrence, underdiagnosis, and impact on quality of life.

To determine the frequency of RLS in a neurologic-psychiatric outpatient clinic.

We interviewed patients attending a private neurological outpatient clinic, using a standardized validated questionnaire, and an additional phone interview to confirm diagnosis.

Of approximately 800 people attending the clinic, the questionnaire was answered by 238 subjects (168 females). Fifteen percent of respondents were affected by RLS and none had been diagnosed before. Most patients had a severe form that probably required treatment.

A low awareness of RLS exists in Chile, even among specialized physicians.