What are the relationships between mental health problems and lower urinary tract symptoms and how should they be assessed? ICI RS 2025
Sinha, Sanjay Joinson, Carol Selai, Caroline Papaefstathiou, Efstathios Vasudeva, Pawan Bower, Wendy Van Den Ende, Mauro Panicker, Jalesh N Toozs Hobson, Phil Eskinder, Solomon
Sinha, Sanjay
Joinson, Carol
Selai, Caroline
Papaefstathiou, Efstathios
Vasudeva, Pawan
Bower, Wendy
Van Den Ende, Mauro
Panicker, Jalesh N
Toozs Hobson, Phil
Eskinder, Solomon
Abstract
AIMS: To discuss the relationships between mental health problems (MHP) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). To propose an assessment plan for identifying MHP in patients presenting with LUTS.
METHODS: This review is the outcome of a global multi-disciplinary think tank at the International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI-RS 2025) meeting held in June 2025 in Bristol, United Kingdom that examined the broad issue of mental health and LUTS. The relationship of MHP and LUTS in adults and children, and the possible underlying mechanisms, is presented.
RESULTS: Robust evidence was noted for an association between MHP and LUTS, including storage symptoms, voiding symptoms, and bladder pain. However, the underlying mechanisms that underpin this relationship remain unclear. Clinical markers that might indicate MHP and screening tools for assessment by clinicians involved with LUTS care, are discussed. Recommendations are made with regard to key areas for future research.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a consensus on the existence of a relationship between mental health problems and lower urinary tract symptoms. A better understanding of the nature of this relationship, the mechanisms that underlie it, and the best methods to assess it, is crucial to improving clinical care.
MIDER Authors
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Date
2025-11-11
Type
Article
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Citation
Sinha S, Joinson C, Selai C, Papaefstathiou E, Vasudeva P, Bower W, Van Den Ende M, Panicker JN, Hobson PT, Eskinder S, von Gontard A, Wein A, Abrams P. What Are the Relationships Between Mental Health Problems and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and How Should They be Assessed? ICI RS 2025. Neurourol Urodyn. 2026 Jun;45(5):986-993. doi: 10.1002/nau.70180. Epub 2025 Nov 11.