Bibliotherapy-based Dry Bed Training: A Pilot Study

Dry Bed Training is an effective and rapid method for the elimination of primary nocturnal enuresis. However, like the urine alarm the approach demands very close clinical supervision. This is a Pilot Study to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-help approach (based on Dry Bed Training), administered using a minimum contact self-help manual, and a video in which a young mother and son demonstrated treatment techniques. Ten severe primary nocturnal enuretics, acting as their own controls, were treated using this approach. Results show initial remission in 80% of the cases, with 20% of the subjects dropping out. Of those who completed treatment 25% relapsed. These results were obtained with a significant reduction in staff time. The role of clinical supervision is critically examined. Elements of a cost-benefit analysis are identified in order to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.