Symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) in patients treated for depressive disorders

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) and severity of depressive symptoms in patients treated for depression. Method: 102 patients (43 males, 59 females) aged 20–67 (M = 46.1±11,3) treated for depression were included in this cross-sectional analysis. OAB symptoms were examined with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder Module (ICIQOAB). OAB-related quality of life was assessed with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder Quality of Life Module (ICIQ-OABqol). Depressive symptoms were assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self Report (QIDS-SR). Results: Symptoms of OAB assessed with IPSS and ICIQ-OAB were more severe in women than in men. In the entire group highest scores in IPSS of assessed OAB symptoms were observed in nocturia (1,53±1,64) followed by urinary frequency (1,19±1,48) and lowest in urgency (0,80±1,28). Symptoms of OAB (based on the ICIQOABqol total score) were more bothersome in women (48,74±29,18), than in men (39,18±17,70). In the whole group and in women the QIDS-SR total score correlated with the ICIQ-OAB score ( p < 0,05). The total QIDS-SR score correlated with the ICIQ-OABqol score in entire group (p < 0,05), in women (p < 0,05) and in men (p < 0,05). Patients suffering from at least moderate depression assessed with QIDS-SR had significantly more pronounced symptoms of urinary frequency (p = 0,005) and urgency (p = 0,039). A number of other significant (p < 0.05) correlations were observed between the total ICIQ-OAB score and certain items’ scores in the GHQ-30 both in women. Conclusions: OAB symptoms are common among patients treated for depressive disorders. There is a correlation between severity of depressive symptoms and OAB. OAB is bothersome and affects the quality of life in patients treated for depression. Comorbidity of OAB and depression has clinical significance and that should enhance interdisciplinary treatment approaches. Due to limitations of this study, further researches are essential to reveal more details of the correlation between OAB and depression.