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Nocturnal enuresis and behavioral problems in adolescence: a 15-year longitudinal study
1Christchurch Health and Development Study, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
Pediatrics
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Children bed-wetting past age 10 show slightly increased risks for conduct problems, attention deficit behaviors, and anxiety/withdrawal into early adolescence. These links persist even after accounting for other influencing factors.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Longitudinal Studies
Background:
- Nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting) is common in childhood.
- Understanding its long-term behavioral implications is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between persistent childhood nocturnal enuresis and adolescent behavioral adjustment.
- To analyze data from a 15-year longitudinal study of New Zealand children.
Main Methods:
- Collected annual data on nocturnal bladder control up to age 13.
- Assessed conduct problems, attention deficit behaviors, and anxiety/withdrawal at ages 11, 13, and 15.
Main Results:
- Children bed-wetting past age 10 exhibited higher behavioral problem scores compared to those ceasing by age 5.
- Initial associations were largely explained by confounding factors like gender and socioeconomic status.
- After adjustments, persistent bed-wetting remained linked to slight increases in conduct problems, attention deficit behaviors (up to age 13), and anxiety/withdrawal (up to age 15).
Conclusions:
- Late-onset nocturnal enuresis (past age 10) is associated with minor but detectable increases in specific adolescent behavioral issues.
- While not indicative of severe psychiatric risks, these findings suggest monitoring children with persistent bed-wetting for anxious or problem behaviors.