The evaluation of children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are multifactorial disorders and biological, social, and psychological factors may play significant roles in the development of both. Children with enuresis display a higher prevalence of ADHD compared to the normal population. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between MNE and ADHD.

A total of 64 children between the ages of 6 and 13 years who were referred due to primary MNE, their parents, and 42 healthy control cases, were evaluated in terms of attention deficit and hyperactivity by a child psychiatrist using the DSM-IV-2000-TR diagnosic scale.

Of the children with enuresis, 17 had predominantly inattentive type (26.6%), nine had predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (14.1%), and eight had combined type (12.5%). In the control group, two cases had predominantly inattentive type (4.8%), two cases had predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (4.8%), and one had combined type (2.4%).

The prevalence of ADHD is higher in children with MNE compared to the normal population. As attention deficit may also negatively effect the treatment of enuresis, children with MNE should be evaluated in terms of attention deficit and those with positive symptoms should be provided with psychosocial support.