Correlation of urinary incontinence with depression severity of patients treated for depression

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a major public health issue because of the high number of individuals affected, its adverse effects on job-related functioning, and the decline in quality of life. The association between UI and symptoms of depression has been evaluated extensively for the general population. However, relationships between UI and depression have not been adequately assessed for specific patient groups. Thus, we investigated the association between UI and depression severity in patients treated for depression.

This study was a single-center, prospective, cross-sectional inquiry. We analyzed questionnaire data on UI and depression from depressed patients treated in our Department of Adult Psychiatry. Patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and General Health Questionnaire whereas psychiatrists administered the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.

One hundred two patients were enrolled in the study. Most patients had mild depression. Patients who were incontinent mostly reported moderate UI and UI was statistically more prevalent in women than in men. Further, with the General Health Questionnaire, depression severity in women was significantly associated with the severity of UI. We did not observe correlation between depression severity analyzed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and UI.

In the cohort of patients treated for depression, UI affected more women than men. In wo- men, UI was associated with the severity of depression. Because UI and depression may coexist and share the symptom burden, particularly in women, clinicians should be aware of the interconnection between these two conditions.