Impact of nocturnal enuresis on children and young people.

An understanding of the psychological impact of nocturnal enuresis has been consistently hampered by inter-changeability of terminology, varied inclus ion criteria, diverse methodologies and equivocal findings. This paper revi ews the impact on children and young people by examining both qualitative a nd quantitative findings. Aspects of functioning that are explored include social adjustment, emotional state, personality, self- concept and behaviou r. Generally the findings suggest children do experience bedwetting as dist ressing but those with mono-symptomatic nocturnal enuresis are no different from the normal population or from matched controls across all aspects of functioning. Those children most vulnerable to psychological distress as a consequence of bedwetting are identified. Interestingly there is consistent evidence for improvement in emotional functioning and self-esteem followin g treatment although this may not be necessarily due to the treatment itsel f. Methodological issues are addressed in terms of future research directio ns.