[Overactive bladder in the structure of somatized depression].

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Psychosomatic Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are frequently encountered in urological practice without identifiable organic or infectious etiology.
• OAB can manifest as a somatized disorder, often linked to depressive states, highlighting the need for integrated care.
• The high prevalence, recurrent nature, and significant impact on quality of life underscore the importance of understanding OAB's psychosomatic aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the relevance of a psychosomatic approach in managing overactive bladder (OAB) patients presenting without clear organic findings.
• To illustrate the complex interplay between OAB symptoms and somatized disorders through a clinical case.

Main Methods:

• Clinical observation of a patient presenting with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.
• Analysis of the patient's presentation within the context of a somatized disorder, specifically recurrent depression.

Main Results:

• The case demonstrates the development of significant "pseudo-urological" symptoms characteristic of overactive bladder (OAB).
• These symptoms occurred within the framework of recurrent somatized depression in a woman during her involutional age.

Conclusions:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms can be a manifestation of underlying psychosomatic disorders, particularly depression.
• An integrated psychosomatic approach is essential for effective patient management and improving outcomes in cases of OAB without organic disease.