J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol.  2014 Oct;18(2):71-76. 10.3339/jkspn.2014.18.2.71.

Prevalence of Voiding Dysfunction and Constipation in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Kim JY
• Lee ES
• Bang JS
• Oh YJ
• Lee YJ
• Sung TJ
• Lee KH
• Lee JW

• KMID: 1733218
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3339/jkspn.2014.18.2.71

Abstract

PURPOSE
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with impairments in frontal inhibitory function and the catecholaminergic system. ADHD is diagnosed in 3-5% of children. Children with ADHD seem develop various forms of urinary problems such as nocturnal enuresis, dysfunctional voiding, and diurnal incontinence. However, no data exist to confirm the presence of these problems in Korean children with ADHD. We investigated the clinical findings of voiding dysfunction in children with ADHD.
METHODS
Between October 2009 and March 2011, a total of 63 children (33 with ADHD, 30 with an upper respiratory infection, as a control group) were enrolled. ADHD was diagnosed using the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM)-IV criteria. A comprehensive survey of voiding and defecation was administered.
RESULTS
The patient group included 28 boys and 5 girls; the control group comprised 20 boys and 10 girls. The mean age was 9.09+/-2.8 years in the ADHD group and 8.58+/-3.1 years in the control group. Children with ADHD had a statistically significantly higher incidence of urgency (P=0.017), urge incontinence (P=0.033), and constipation (P=0.045). There was no significant difference in the incidence of straining, intermittency, holding maneuvers, or nocturnal enuresis.
CONCLUSION
Children with ADHD in Korea have significantly higher rates of urgency, urge incontinence, and constipation than those without ADHD.

Keyword

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Nocturnal enuresis; Urgency; Urge incontinence; Constipation

MeSH Terms

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity*
Child*
Constipation*
Defecation
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Female
Humans
Incidence
Korea
Nocturnal Enuresis
Prevalence*
Urinary Incontinence, Urge