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The relationship between mental health disorders and LUTS
J Janssen1, M Van den Ende2, G Bou Kheir2
1Department of Urology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; MHeNS, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic & Clinical
|April 17, 2026
Summary
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are strongly linked to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Addressing both mental health and LUTS is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient care.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) encompass conditions like urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB).
- Mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are increasingly recognized as significant factors influencing LUTS.
- The interplay between the bladder and brain, known as the bladder-brain axis (BBA), is central to understanding this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex relationship between LUTS and mental health disorders.
- To explore the influence of anxiety and depression on bladder function.
- To highlight shared pathways and the bidirectional nature of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Exploration of historical perspectives and current research.
- Discussion of the bladder-brain axis (BBA) and potential shared mechanisms.
Main Results:
- A complex, bidirectional relationship exists between LUTS and mental health disorders.
- Shared neurological, neurochemical, and inflammatory pathways contribute to symptom severity.
- Mental health status significantly impacts LUTS treatment outcomes and adherence.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for diagnosing and treating patients with both LUTS and mental health disorders.
- Future research should leverage tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) for personalized care.
- Understanding the bladder-brain axis is key to developing targeted interventions.
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