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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Enuresis

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Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Medical Conditions

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

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Abstract

Enuresis is a common childhood concern in which children over the developmental age of 4 years continue to pass urine into their bed or their underclothing. Since all children pass urine during infancy, this condition can only be diagnosed after the age of 5. As they age, the enuresis is likely to become more distressing. This chapter addresses the biological and behavioral factors and reviews the evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions for both nocturnal or nighttime enuresis (NE) and Diurnal Enuresis or daytime Enuresis (DE). The most common biological contributor to enuresis is constipation, which should usually be managed at the outset and throughout the course of treatment for the enuresis, presumably by the referring physician. Behavioral contributors such as awareness training and noncompliance with toileting routines may also need to be addressed in order to achieve full symptom remission. Cognitive factors such as treatment resistance should also be addressed and intervened upon if present. A combined medical and behavioral/psychological treatment approach, which the research suggests is best practice, is recommended.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Children’s Mercy Hospital—Kansas, Overland Park, KS, USA

    Edward R. Christophersen

  2. Children’s Mercy Hospital—Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA

    Edward R. Christophersen & Christina M. Low Kapalu

  3. University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA

    Christina M. Low Kapalu

Authors
  1. Edward R. Christophersen
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  2. Christina M. Low Kapalu
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Correspondence to Edward R. Christophersen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Child Emphasis Area, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Robert D. Friedberg

  2. Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Jennifer K. Paternostro

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Christophersen, E.R., Low Kapalu, C.M. (2019). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Enuresis. In: Friedberg, R.D., Paternostro, J.K. (eds) Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Medical Conditions. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21683-2_15

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