Although physiological factors have a role in nocturia, research suggests that behavioral processes, especially classical conditioning may also play an important role in nocturia and other lower urinary tract symptoms. The study aimed to assess the relationship of stimulus-associated urges during the day to nocturia in a sample of women aged 18 to 40, after controlling for physiological symptoms (eg, overactive bladder [OAB]; daytime frequency).
An online study was conducted using a panel of 356 female participants between the ages of 18 to 40. One-third of the participants self-reported an OAB diagnosis as determined by their physician. Almost 80% of participants reported having at least one nocturnal voiding per night. Participants completed the Urinary Cues Questionnaire, which assessed the frequency with which respondents experienced the urge to urinate in the presence of a variety of cues and the Overactive Bladder Screening Scale (OABSS), which assesses symptoms of OAB syndrome.
Controlling for OABSS scores and daytime urinary frequency, the Situational Cues Subscale had a significant relationship with nocturia such that with each unit increase in the subscale, the probability of nocturia increased by 12% to 14% depending on the definition of nocturia.
Behavioral techniques, such as habituation to decrease the association between awakening at night and feeling an urge to urinate, may be an appropriate intervention to mitigate nocturnal urination. Theoretically, this would translate to decreasing this disorder throughout the lifespan, if behavioral techniques could be effectively utilized in early adulthood.
Neurourology and urodynamics. 2019 Apr 02 [Epub ahead of print]
Jonathan Singer, Kathleen A O'Connell
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada., Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College Columbia University, New York City, New York.