How Are ADHD and Bedwetting Connected in Children?

What you need to know

• Children with ADHD are about twice as likely to experience bedwetting compared to children without ADHD
• Similarly, children who wet the bed are about twice as likely to have ADHD compared to children who don’t
• Both conditions tend to improve with age, though bedwetting may last longer in children who also have ADHD

Understanding the Connection

Parenting a child with either attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or bedwetting can be challenging. When a child experiences both conditions, parents often wonder if there’s a connection. Research shows there is - and understanding this relationship can help families better manage both conditions.

What the Research Found

This comprehensive review analyzed 25 studies examining the relationship between ADHD and bedwetting (also called enuresis) in children. The key finding was striking - children with ADHD are about twice as likely to experience bedwetting compared to children without ADHD. Similarly, children who wet the bed are about twice as likely to have ADHD compared to those who don’t.

The Developmental Link

Both ADHD and bedwetting appear to be related to delays in brain development, particularly in areas that control attention, behavior regulation, and bladder control. This shared neurological basis may help explain why the conditions frequently occur together. Think of it like a computer that’s still loading its operating system - some functions may take longer to come fully online.

Age and Gender Patterns

The good news is that both conditions tend to improve as children get older. However, bedwetting may persist longer in children who also have ADHD. This suggests that having both conditions might slow down the natural resolution of bedwetting.

Most studies found that boys are more likely than girls to experience either condition individually. However, when looking at children who have both conditions together, the gender difference wasn’t as pronounced as you might expect.

What This Means for You

If your child has either ADHD or bedwetting, it’s worth being aware of the potential connection between these conditions:

• If your child has ADHD and develops bedwetting issues, know that this is relatively common and often improves with time
• If your child wets the bed and shows signs of attention difficulties or hyperactivity, discuss screening for ADHD with your healthcare provider
• Understanding that both conditions share developmental roots can help reduce stigma and frustration
• Treatment plans may need to address both conditions for optimal results

Conclusions

• The connection between ADHD and bedwetting is significant and well-documented
• These conditions likely share underlying developmental factors
• While both tend to improve with age, children with both conditions may need more time and support