A two-way street: Depression and anxiety linked with urinary incontinence

This study investigated the relationship between depression, anxiety and urinary incontinence.

Researchers concluded that urinary incontinence is a risk factor for developing depression and anxiety. Similarly, depression or anxiety also increase the risk of developing urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence (UI) can impact quality of life and challenge everyday activities. Some studies have reported increased rates of anxiety and depression among women with urinary incontinence. The way depression or anxiety influence incontinence, and vice versa, is poorly understood at this time. Understanding the link between UI and these conditions may improve both treatment and quality of life. This large study followed women over the course of 10 years to further investigate anxiety and depression among women with urinary incontinence.

16,253 women completed questionnaires on urinary function, anxiety and depression at the beginning of the study, and after 10-year follow-up.

23.7% of women reported symptoms of urinary incontinence at the start of the study. One in five women reported symptoms of stress UI, and one in ten women reported symptoms of urge UI. Mild symptoms of anxiety at the start of the study were reported among 11.2% of women. Mild symptoms of depression at the start of the study were reported among 6.5% of women.

Compared to women without incontinence, women with UI were 26% more likely to report anxiety, and 45% more likely to report mild depression, during the course of the study. The association with depression was generally stronger for younger women (19-39 years) and urge UI. Anxiety was more strongly associated with older women (55+ years) and urge UI.

Similarly, women reporting depression symptoms at the beginning of the study were twice as likely to report urinary incontinence over the course of the study. This likelihood increased with age and was generally higher for urge UI.

For women reporting moderate or severe anxiety at the beginning of the study, the likelihood of developing UI over the 10 years increased by 65%. This association was more pronounced for urge UI among older women (55+ years).

This study indicated that urinary incontinence is strongly linked to depression and anxiety. Interestingly, depression and anxiety also increase the risk of developing urinary incontinence.