Nocturia, depression and antidepressant medication

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Sleep Medicine
• Urology

Background:

• Nocturia, or frequent nighttime urination, affects a significant portion of the adult population.
• Previous research suggests a link between major depression and increased nocturnal micturition.
• The impact of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on nocturia requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and the occurrence of nocturia.
• To determine if SSRI use is an independent risk factor for nocturia.

Main Methods:

• A postal questionnaire was administered to an unselected adult population in Ostersund, Sweden.
• The questionnaire assessed nocturia, somatic and mental health, and sleep patterns.
• Major Depression Inventory (MDI) was used for depression diagnostics, and prescription data for antidepressants were obtained from a regional register.

Main Results:

• A total of 1375 subjects completed the questionnaire (69% response rate).
• Independent correlates for nocturia included increasing age, major depression, and treatment with SSRIs (odds ratio 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.5).
• Individuals treated with SSRIs were twice as likely to experience two or more nocturnal voids compared to those not on SSRIs, after adjusting for age and depression.

Conclusions:

• Treatment with SSRIs is associated with an increased risk of nocturia.
• The findings suggest that SSRI use may contribute to nocturnal voiding episodes.
• The potential implications for fall injuries in individuals experiencing nocturia are discussed.