Does primary nocturnal enuresis affect childrens' self-esteem?

Abstract

Q: Does primary nocturnal enuresis affect childrens' self-esteem? A: Yes. Children with primary nocturnal enuresis often, but not always, score about 10% lower on standardized rating scales for self esteem, or scores for symptoms similar to low self-esteem (sadness, anxiety, social fears, distress) than children without enuresis (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, systematic review of cohort and case-control studies with some heterogenous results). Enuretic children 8 to 9 years of age are less likely to have lower self-esteem than older children, ages 10 to 12 years (SOR: B, case-control study). Successful treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis improves self-esteem ratings, probably to normal (SOR: B, randomized, controlled trial, prospective cohort, and case-control studies).