Research PaperPrevalence of enuresis in a community sample of children and adolescents referred for outpatient clinical psychological evaluation: Psychiatric comorbidities and association with intellectual functioning

Abstract

Research suggests a higher prevalence of coexisting behavioural disorders, particularly Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), among children with enuresis in comparison to the general population. Studies generally have  consisted of participants attending general paediatric medical clinics as opposed to facilities specialising in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. This descriptive investigation examined the frequency of enuresis and its psychiatric comorbidities among 363 children and adolescents referred for outpatient clinical psychological evaluation during a 12-month period. Results revealed that 16% of participants met diagnostic criteria for enuresis and that of these 98% had at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder. Mood disorders were the most common coexisting diagnoses, followed by ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. No association was found between a diagnosis of enuresis and participant intelligence. Implications for mental health  providers are discussed.

Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2011, 23(1): 53–58