Enuresis
About Enuresis
Enuresis is an elimination disorder involving repeated voiding of urine into bed or clothes, whether involuntary or intentional, in a child with a developmental age of at least five years. It is described as nocturnal, occurring during sleep and often called bedwetting, diurnal, occurring during waking hours, or both. Primary enuresis means the child has never had a sustained period of continence, while secondary enuresis develops after a period of dryness and may follow a stressful event or a medical issue. Nighttime bedwetting is common in young children, tends to run in families, is more common in boys, and often resolves with age. The condition is not caused by laziness or deliberate misbehavior, and punishment can worsen distress. Medical evaluation helps exclude problems such as urinary tract infection, constipation or diabetes. Evidence based approaches include education and reassurance, enuresis alarms that condition waking, and medication in some cases, with attention to the emotional impact on the child.
Related Conditions
Encopresis
Encopresis is an elimination disorder involving the repeated passage of feces into inappropriate places, such as clothing or the f...
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is among the most common mental health conditions worldwide, and the World Health Organization ranks dep...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, hard to control worry about a range of everyday matters, such as work,...
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania and, in most cases, episodes of depression. It...