State-Trait Anxieties and Depression in Patients with Female Urinary Incontinence

Hong, Jae Yup

Abstract

Studies of urinary incontinence have so far paid little attention with female urinary incontinence (FUI). The aims of this study are to define the nature and extent of psychological stress in women with FUI in the absence of other abnormality. Thirty women aged 24 to 51 were diagnosed as FUI and 30 women as control group without FUI. Diagnostic procedure included a history taking, physical examination, and urodynamic evaluation. Personality traits were assessed by means of the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and the Beck depression inventory (BDI) in 30 FUI women. The results were compared with a control group of c,0ntinent women. The mean patient age were 39.6 years in FUI and 40.5 years in control group. Among the FUI patients, 23 (77%) were genuine stress incontinence (GSI), and 7 (23%) were GSI with urge incontinence (UI). State anxiety inventory was 44.78 +/-10.27 in FUI group and 39.97 +/- 4.49 in control group, there was a significant difference (p=0.025). Depression inventory were 8.67 +/- 7.91 in FUI and 4.47 + 2.09 in control group, with a significant difference also (p=0.007). However, trait-anxiety inventory was 44.70 +/-9.54, and 40.80 +/- 5.31, respectively without no significant difference (p>0.05). The results of this study were that FUI was `associated with state-anxiety and depression. Although FUI is not a severe physical disability, many psychological problems are associated with it.