THE PSYCHOLOGY BASIS OF BED WETTING

Back in the days we used to have situations where children who pee in their blankets will be given a rat to eat to stop the act.

I have never known whether that works or not but the fact of the matter is that enuresis (bed wetting) exists up to this date. Bedwetting come s as a result of many factors but our focus will be on the one with psychological basis: nonorganic enuresis!

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nonorganic enuresis is a disorder which is characterized by involuntary passing of urine during the day or night, which is abnormal in relation to the individual’s mental age and which is not a consequence of a neurological disorder or structural abnormality. It is observed from age 5 and above. Bedwetting can come as a psychological response of traumatic event. This may be seen as regression which is a negative way of resolution or defense mechanism.

Children may unconsciously bed wet as a consequence of a dire situation like divorce, abuse of all forms and neglect. In fact, bed wetting is prominent in children who have been abused sexually. Role transition and change of environment has been found to also precipitate bed wetting. For example, entering a new school or sleeping at a different home may trigger bed wetting.

Whilst the discussion has been centralised upon children, some of the factors can result in bed wetting in adults. The practice of scolding kids, punishing them, placing blankets on the line and telling all and sundry that “go rotetswe dikobo” should stop as that may lead to poor self-esteem and low self-worth.

Children often fail to go for bootcamps or sleepovers as a result of this hence rebuking them potentiates the situation. Parents should positively reinforce child behaviour when he/she has had a dry night. There is need for open communication and reaching out to children to hear out their concerns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be employed and drugs in some instances to address this.