Predictors of long term outcome following a bladder re-training programme.

A total of fifty-three female patients suffering from urinary urgency and urge incontinence completed a bladder re-training programme which comprised behavioural and biofeedback treatment components. The psychological status of patients prior to treatment and at eighteen-month follow-up was compared. The role of clinical and psychological factors was examined in relation to treatment outcome (immediately following treatment and at eighteen-month follow-up). Compared to pre-treatment, patients at the eighteen-month follow-up were experiencing fewer psychological symptoms and were more internal with respect to their locus of control, irrespective of urological response to the programme. Poor treatment compliance predicted a poor treatment response both in the short- and long-term. Excessive worrying about, and preoccupation with, the urinary symptoms, previous surgery, and chronic urinary symptoms were all good predictors of a poor treatment response in the long term.