Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Combined with Brief Hypnotherapy (BH) in the Treatment of Persistent Enuresis in Adolescence in an Institutional Setting, Literature Review and Case Study

Primary enuresis, commonly known as “bedwetting”, is a common disorder affecting around 15-20% of children aged 5 years [1]. It is defined as the repeated occurrence, at least twice a week for at least 3 consecutive months of episodes of involuntary urination into the bed or clothes during sleep, in a child aged over 5 [2,3]. These repeated nocturnal episodes are a source of psychological distress and functional repercussions for the child in social, emotional, and sometimes academic terms. In addition to the discomfort and fatigue caused, enuresis can lead to feelings of shame, lowered self-esteem, and social isolation, with an impact on friendships and academic success [4,5]. Although in most cases of enuresis regresses spontaneously before the age of 10 as the bladder and nervous system mature, it can persist into adolescence and even adulthood [5]. In adolescents, this disorder is a source of great distress and altered psycho-social functioning. Enuresis then becomes highly disabling at a crucial time in the development of identity and relationships [4]. Primary enuresis is therefore a common disorder that can be very disabling if it persists beyond childhood, which is why it is so important to offer appropriate, personalized treatment to older children and adolescents with enuresis.