Enuresis
Most children at some time or another in their early childhood have wet their bed. However, after the age of five, the reoccurring wetting of oneself becomes problematic and is clinically defined as Enuresis. More specifically, enuresis can be classified as either nocturnal, which occurs during sleep or diurnal, which occurs during waking hours. Interestingly, 75% of all children who have this disorder have a first degree relative who has had this disorder.
Although Enuresis does not cause ADHD nor does ADHD cause enuresis, it appears that there is a higher incidence of enuresis in those children diagnosed with ADHD. Such an increase in enuresis among ADHD children is likely related to their inability to plan around regular body functions, their increased distractibility and their inattention to environmental and body cues.
Decreases in enuretic behaviors have occurred through the application of certain behavior modification strategies, psychotherapy and medications. Sometimes a combination of these interventions is necessary to accomplish consistent dryness. Simultaneous treatment of both conditions is effective and beneficial for the patient.
Children and adolescents rarely volunteer information about their enuresis so it is important that the evaluation for the presence of ADHD also includes assessment for enuresis and what attempts have been made to reach consistent dryness. |
