PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF NOCTURNAL ENURESIS

Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE), a biobehavioral problem affecting ap proximately 5,000,000 children in the United States, is among the most bothersome and frustrating disorders of childhood. Negative psychosoc ial consequences are common, secondary to the impact of enuresis on fa mily members and others. The enuretic child may be at increased risk f or emotional or even physical abuse from family members and may experi ence stress related to fear of detection by peers. These factors contr ibute to the loss of self-esteem that the enuretic child often experie nces. Fortunately, a number of treatments most commonly pharmacologic or behavioral intervention - are often effective in improving or corre cting PNE. This disorder not only can be addressed but should be addre ssed because effective treatment benefits both he patient and the pati ent's family.