Bedwetting or nocturnal enuresis as some people call it is not unusual for children younger than 6 years old, however, there are some cases that children can’t outgrow their bedwetting problem past 6 years of age. There are cases that bedwetting can be outgrown past 6 years of age and may possibly return during adolescent years or even during adult years, known as the adult onset nocturnal enuresis. For such cases, it is most likely triggered or caused by psychological causes, although physiological causes can also possibly cause the problem.
Psychological Cause: Role Transition
Both children and adults find life stressful especially during role transitions and having new duties and responsibilities. For children, role transition may include going to school or a birth to a new younger sibling. And as for adults, role transition may include a birth of a new son or daughter, getting married, landing into a new job, etc. Bedwetting related to role transition can be overcome once the person involved has able to adjust to his or her new role and adjust to his or her new duties and responsibilities. During the transition of roles, it is very important for other family members’ support and doing stress reducing activities, such as meditation, exercise, etc.
Psychological Cause: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
A person who just experienced a traumatic experience, such as rape, war, sudden hospitalization, sudden death of a loved one, natural disasters, etc. can possibly trigger a post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be debilitating since it needs to be treated medically and therapeutically at the same time. Bedwetting or nocturnal enuresis can be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. Only time can tell whether a person can cope up and when he or she can accept what had happened to him or her.
Psychological Cause: Child Abuse
By saying child abuse, it does not only involve physical abuse, but it can also be emotional abuse and even verbal abuse. Children who are abused at home are at a very high risk for wetting their beds during their sleep. Bedwetting is not the only symptom for a child who is abused at home, but it can also include fearful behavior, anxiety, irritability, unusual bruises and scratches, etc. For children who are abused, it is very important for them to undergo counseling, since how they’re abused can greatly affect the way they’re going to grow up and how they will see life when they turn to adults.
