Enuresis: Myths, Misunderstandings and Solutions

Abstract

Advice on enuresis has been provided by a range of individuals. Many myths and misunderstandings have been responsible for the confusing range of opinions given to those who seek help. Management should be based on an understanding of the physiology of the condition and the established facts about its treatment. There is still a lack of awareness about how effective are the management strategies now proposed by those who base their practise on the extensive research that is now documented. The best results are obtained with conditioning therapy, when this is supervised and supported. There is an important role for 'wetness' alarms in conditioning. There are now body-worn mini-alarms, established by over a decade of use, that are inexpensive and reliable. There is a decreasing role for tricyclic medication. The recently introduced pharmaceutical Minirin (desmopressin) is useful in short-term management to get dryness on social occasions and, in selected individuals, might have a role in long-term control of enuresis, when conditioning has not been effective. There is an important need to provide advice and treatment facilities for all those with enuresis - a treatable condition.