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Do children with primary nocturnal enuresis have clinically significant behavior problems?
P C Friman1, M L Handwerk, S M Swearer
1Father Flanagan's Boys' Home, Boys Town, Neb, USA. frimanp@boystown.org
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|June 26, 1998
Summary
Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) rarely involves significant behavioral issues. Most cases are common biobehavioral problems, not psychiatric conditions, suggesting PNE can be treated without a psychiatric focus.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric behavioral health
- Child psychology
- Urology
Background:
- Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is common in children.
- The association between PNE and behavioral comorbidity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of behavioral comorbidity in children diagnosed with primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE).
Main Methods:
- A survey design was employed using the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI), a standardized parent-report scale.
- Participants included children with PNE (n=92), a clinical sample without PNE (n=92), and a nonclinical sample (n=92).
Main Results:
- A significant main effect for group was found on both Problem Intensity and Problem Number (P<.001).
- The PNE sample showed higher Problem Intensity than the nonclinical sample, but lower than the clinical sample.
- Problem Number did not differ between PNE and nonclinical samples, but both were lower than the clinical sample.
Conclusions:
- Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is typically not associated with significant behavioral comorbidity.
- PNE is generally a common biobehavioral issue, not a psychiatric disorder.
- Pediatricians can treat PNE as a biobehavioral problem, avoiding unnecessary psychiatric evaluation unless clinically indicated.