Psychiatric symptoms in children with overactive bladder and underactive bladder.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess psychiatric manifestations, including externalizing and internalizing symptoms, as well as anxiety and depression symptoms, in children diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB) and underactive bladder (UAB).

METHODS

The study included 53 children with a diagnosis of OAB, 23 children with a diagnosis of UAB, and 30 controls. Participating children completed the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child Version (RCADS-C), while their parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of age, sex, socioeconomic status, or years of education (P > .05). The SDQ subscale comparisons revealed that children with OAB scored significantly higher in conduct problems, hyperactivity, and externalizing problems compared to both children with UAB and controls (P = .024, P = .013, and P = .034, respectively). No significant differences were found among groups in emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems, prosocial behavior, or internalizing problems (P > .05). Similarly, RCADS anxiety and depression scores did not differ significantly between groups (P > .05).

DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that externalizing psychiatric symptoms are more prevalent in children diagnosed with OAB than children with UAB or healthy controls. These behavioral issues may be associated with delayed cortical maturation. Longitudinal studies using neuroimaging techniques are needed to further explore this association. Routine screening for psychiatric symptoms in children with bladder dysfunction may improve treatment outcomes and support a more comprehensive care approach.