The Restless Legs Syndrome Controversy: Funny Name, Serious Topic

Most people who watched TV a few years ago found themselves in one of two camps regarding the restless legs syndrome (RLS) publicity. Either they suffered the weird symptoms described in the ads and felt a jolt of recognition, or they wondered if someone was playing a joke on an overmedicated country.

Here was a list of funny-sounding symptoms, a new prescription drug, yet no diagnostic test to document the condition's existence. RLS joined a growing family of disorders (including fibromyalgia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) that are in debate, while patients fight to be taken seriously.

Thrust into the spotlight
Contrary to popular belief, RLS is not a 21st-century invention. The term restless legs was first used medically in 1945, though the condition has been described in literature dating back to 1672.

It was the pharmaceutical industry that gave RLS national attention in 2003, however, with a press release about a "common yet under recognized disorder" keeping Americans awake at night. Although the campaign didn't discuss medication options (none were currently on the market for RLS), it set the stage for what was to follow.

In 2005 the FDA approved Requip, a dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson's disease, for the treatment of moderate to severe RLS. Mirapex, a similar drug, followed in 2006.

With new drug approvals came a flurry of direct-to-consumer advertising. News outlets began covering RLS and its new treatment options. Even the nonprofit RLS Foundation received a substantial financial boost from Mirapex and Requip's parent companies.