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UROPSYCHIATRY: The Relationship Between Overactive Bladder and Psychiatric Disorders

  • Overactive Bladder (A Klausner, Section Editor)
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Abstract

It has been informally observed that patients attending urology clinics specializing in overactive bladder and incontinence have high rates of psychiatric conditions. Hence, the evolution of the term “uropsychiatry” that describes the association between overactive bladder and incontinence with common psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, and sexual abuse. Epidemiologic and case-control studies have established links between these conditions. In addition, basic science and clinical pharmacologic studies of antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics provide evidence that dysregulation of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine, serotonin, and corticotropin releasing factor may be important in the pathophysiology underlying uropsychiatric disorders. Improved understanding of these complex interactions may help in the identification of novel targets that lead to improved treatments for patients with both urologic and psychiatric conditions.

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  1. Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, PO BOX 980118, Richmond, VA, 23298-0118, USA

    MaryEllen T. Dolat & Adam P. Klausner

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  1. MaryEllen T. Dolat
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  2. Adam P. Klausner
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Correspondence to Adam P. Klausner.

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Dolat, M.T., Klausner, A.P. UROPSYCHIATRY: The Relationship Between Overactive Bladder and Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 8, 69–76 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-012-0164-5

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