Enuresis is a term used to describe repeated urination during the day
or night. Most of the time, enuresis is uncontrollable, with the child
not being able to contain the urine, either during the day in clothes,
or at night, in bed. Sometimes, however, a child may urinate
intentionally.
For reasons not well understood, there is a relationship between
enuresis in children over the age of five and behavior problems.
Perhaps this is related to the fact that children experiencing
enuresis often suffer peer rejection, teasing, critisism and
punishment. Children with enuresis are also more prone to having
developmental delays in language, motor, and learning.
To be diagnosed with enuresis, the child must be over the age of
five, or for those children with other developmental delays, their
cognitive functioning must be over the age of five. In addition, the
problem must have occurred at least twice per week for at least three
months.
Enuresis is more common in boys than in girls, and approximately
75% of the children who experience the problem have a biological
first-degree family member with the problem.
About
the Author: Dr. Catherine Swanson Cain, PhD, LMFT provides counseling and
therapy to families of young children with behavior problems or mental
health disabilities. She also provides consultation and training to
educators, child care providers, and professionals on a variety of
behavioral health issues.