Bedwetting in Children May Have Psychological Origins

Private Egepol Hospital Specialist Clinical Psychologist Ege Ece Birsel said that bedwetting at night (enuresis) is a frequently encountered problem in childhood and has negative effects.

Ege Ece Birsel said, “If there is no disease that can cause bedwetting, it is an individual's urinary incontinence two days a week. It is not usually considered a problem until the age of five, but if it continues after the age of five, then it can be considered a problem. As the child grows, the problems related to night and daytime wetting increase, the child's sense of shame develops, and if the family reacts angrily to this situation, it is possible to add psychological problems. After a while, this affects the social situation of both families and the child. Genetic predisposition should also be mentioned here. In the studies conducted, the same story was found in the childhood of the parents of the children who had this problem.

STRESS AND SCREEN EXPOSURE ARE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED

Specialist Clinical Psychologist Ege Ece Birsel, who gave information about the causes of the disease, said: “Mistakes and compulsions while giving toilet training can cause bedwetting. Sometimes these children can be very deep sleep and may not even feel it when their parents wake them up and take them to the toilet. If it is repeated during the night after going to the toilet at night, it may indicate some psychological problems. Negative situations such as parental divorce, domestic conflicts, the birth of a new sibling, negative events at school, watching videos with inappropriate horror content and too much screen exposure can cause children to wet the bed at night.

PARENTS MUST ACT WITH CONSCIOUSNESS

Emphasizing that children do this unconsciously, Ege Ece Birsel continued as follows: “This tiring situation may cause parents to act angry towards their children unintentionally. They may think that children do this willingly, but this is involuntary. An examination by a pediatrician is necessary to establish that there is no disease that needs to be treated, such as urinary tract infections and parasitosis. If a structural problem or a disease that may cause bedwetting is not detected, it is very effective to proceed with behavioral studies by getting psychological support. First of all, a chart should be made about the days of bedwetting. A symbolic painting can be made with a sun-cloud drawing, a sad face can be a smiling face, then a non-monetary reward system can be created on days when there is no bedwetting. The goal here is to motivate my child by demonstrating that he or she can solve a problem. But the most important thing is to restrict some fluids before going to bed at night. Restricting liquid foods at least 2 hours in advance and ensuring that the bladder is completely emptied by going to the toilet may be the solution. Night alarms can be set up and behavioral methods can be applied together with specially prepared night alarm methods. Many children can experience this situation, and in such a situation, having the support of an expert will be very effective and beneficial for both you and your child.