Predictors of long term outcome following a bladder re-training programme

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• Urinary urgency and urge incontinence significantly impact quality of life.
• Behavioral and biofeedback therapies offer non-invasive treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychological changes in patients undergoing bladder re-training.
• To identify clinical and psychological predictors of treatment success.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-three female patients with urinary urgency/incontinence participated.
• A bladder re-training program combining behavioral and biofeedback components was utilized.
• Psychological status and treatment outcomes were assessed pre-treatment and at 18-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Patients reported fewer psychological symptoms and increased internal locus of control at 18 months post-treatment, irrespective of urological improvement.
• Poor treatment compliance was a significant predictor of poor short- and long-term treatment response.
• Pre-existing factors like excessive symptom preoccupation, prior surgery, and chronic symptoms predicted poorer long-term outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Bladder re-training positively influences psychological status in patients with urinary urgency and urge incontinence.
• Treatment compliance and specific clinical factors are crucial for predicting long-term treatment success.