Elsevier

Behavior Therapy

Volume 22, Issue 2, Spring 1991, Pages 133-151
Behavior Therapy

Nocturnal enuresis as a biobehavioral problem**

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7894(05)80173-XGet rights and content

A biobehavioral conceptualization of childhood nocturnal enuresis is presented. Recent research on the etiology and pathophysiology of enuresis suggests two important physiological parameters are involved: (1) deficient circadian release of antidiuretic hormone, and (2) deficient spontaneous inhibitory muscular responses. A brief review of medical and behavioral treatments also suggests that these two physiological processes are involved in successful treatments. Suggestions for future collaborative investigations between medical and behavioral researchers are offered. Advances in basic research on the pathophysiology of enuresis present the opportunity for behavioral and medical researchers to identify the mechanisms of action of proven treatments such as the urine alarm.

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  • Cited by (40)

    • Encopresis and enuresis

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      The anxiety traits in early childhood and having an anxious parent may increase the risk of developing and persistence of EN [22]. Also, anxiety may affect the detrusor muscle development and may cause a delay in bladder sphincter control [23]. On the other hand, dramatic consequences of EN may also cause anxiety in children, vice versa [22].

    • Predictors and Outcomes of Childhood Primary Enuresis

      2017, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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      This is the first study, however, to find that internalizing psychopathology both preceded and succeeded the development of enuresis, and suggests that internalizing problems may both contribute to the development and be a consequence of primary enuresis. Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that anxiety interrupts the acquisition of coordinated muscle response that could possibly lead to unstable detrusor activity.39 Consistent with previous studies suggesting that internalizing problems may be a consequence of enuresis,40 our findings also support the possibility that humiliation and lowered self-esteem associated with enuresis may create risk for the development of later depressive symptoms.21

    • Encopresis and enuresis

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    **

    Partial support for this research was provided by a Centers of Excellence grant from the State of Tennessee to the Department of Psychology at Memphis State University and also by a National Institute of Health Grant (R01 HD21736-01A1) to the author.

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