Nocturia and Major Depressive Disorder

Roger S. McIntyre, MD, FRCPC

Authors' Affiliations

Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Executive Director, Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation (BCDF), Head, Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Research has shown that nocturia and major depressive disorder are often correlated. The clinician should take a complete history along with performing a physical examination when patients present with symptoms that may be associated with nocturia. Patients rarely seek medical attention solely for treatment of nocturia, so direct questions along with use of the Frequency Volume Chart (FVC) should be used to assess whether underlying disorders or conditions are present. Clinicians should also be alert to the possible presence of nocturia in patients who suffer from major depressive disorder since nocturia rates for this population is significantly higher. Behavioural modifications alone may be insufficient to improve nocturia where clinically depressive symptoms are also present. Pharmacological treatments may provide improvement when nocturia and major depressive disorder are both present.

Key Words: Nocturia, major depressive disorder, anxiety, lithium, SSRIs, Frequency Volume Chart (FVC), sleep hygiene, desmopressin.

Research has shown that nocturia and major depressive disorder are often correlated.

It is essential that the clinician take a comprehensive history since patients often report symptoms associated with nocturia rather than nocturia itself.

The Frequency Volume Chart (FVC) is a reliable tool the clinician can use to assess whether underlying disorders or conditions are present, which will help determine treatment.

Given the poor physical and mental health that can result when nocturia and major depressive disorder are both present, the clinician should consider pharmacological treatment for nocturia if behavioural changes prove ineffective.

When a patient suffers from nocturia, the clinician should also screen for major depressive disorder.

Individuals who suffer from nocturia are more likely to report feelings of anxiety and depression than the general population.

Individuals who suffer from major depressive disorder are more likely suffer from nocturia.

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Disclaimer:

This article was published as part of THE LATEST IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF NOCTURIA eCME resource. The development of THE LATEST IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF NOCTURIA eCME resource was supported by an educational grant from Ferring Inc.