A New Perspective on the Etiology of Overactive Bladder Syndrome-Could Overactive Bladder Syndrome Be Associated With Altered Perception of Somatic Sensations as a Result of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? A Case-Control Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the potential role of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), altered perception of bodily sensations, and somatization in the etiology of overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

A total of 124 participants were included in the study. The case group consisted of 63 female patients diagnosed with OAB, and the control group comprised 61 age-matched healthy females. Demographic data were collected from all participants. All participants completed the OAB Questionnaire-V8 (OABQ-V8), Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 (OBQ-44), Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ), and Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of age, education, or marital status. The OAB group demonstrated significantly higher scores on the OABQ-V8, OBQ-44, BSQ, and SSAS. Furthermore, the OABQ-V8 score exhibited a significant positive correlation with the OBQ-44, BSQ, and SSAS scores.

CONCLUSION

This study offers a new perspective on the psychological aspects of OAB, suggesting that OAB symptoms may result from heightened bodily sensations and subsequent somatization associated with OCD.