Mental disorders in children and adolescents with lower urinary tract dysfunction

Abstract

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) affects about 2-25% of the pediatric population and is associated with the presence of emotional and behavioral disorders. The purpose of this literature review was to identify studies focusing on mental disorders in children and adolescents with LUTD. The prevalence of these disorders is high - ranging from about 20 to 40% - in children with symptoms of LUTD and comorbidities. The presence of emotional and behavioral symptoms impact in the treatment of the dysfunction, self-esteem of patients and caregivers. Despite the association between mental/behavioral disorders and LUTD be well documented in the literature, the investigation of psychiatric symptoms in clinical practice is still not common and should be stimulated.

Keywords:
adolescent; child; mental disorders; nocturnal enuresis; urinary incontinence