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Nocturnal enuresis: a prevalent, persistent, yet curable parasomnia

P C Friman1, W J Warzak

  • 1University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia.

Pediatrician
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, is a common inherited condition. Effective treatment focuses on teaching continence skills through behavioral methods, not primarily medication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Urology
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Nocturnal enuresis is a common condition in children, often with a genetic component.
  • It is characterized by involuntary urination during sleep, linked to maturational delays.
  • Current drug treatments raise concerns regarding child health risks and long-term efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for nocturnal enuresis.
  • To highlight the limitations of pharmacological approaches in primary treatment.
  • To present evidence-based behavioral methods for teaching continence skills.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent literature on nocturnal enuresis treatments.
  • Analysis of the risks and benefits of pharmacological versus behavioral therapies.
  • Description of various behavioral techniques for achieving nighttime continence.

Main Results:

  • Pharmacological treatments are not recommended as a primary approach due to potential risks and uncertain effectiveness.
  • Behavioral methods are identified as an effective primary treatment strategy.
  • Specific, teachable continence skills are crucial for successful management.

Conclusions:

  • Behavioral interventions are the preferred primary treatment for nocturnal enuresis.
  • Continence skills training offers a safer and more effective alternative to medication.
  • Further research should focus on optimizing and disseminating behavioral approaches.

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