Female bladder problems - a case for psychotherapy? A case report.

The case of a 31-year-old woman suffering from repeated episodes of urinary retention is presented. Several surgical procedures had given her only temporary relief. When the patient presented with overt depression and anxiety she was assessed psychiatrically, and it was noted that the urinary retention coincided with episodes of domestic emotional distress. A behavioural treatment programme was initiated and a remission of the urological symptoms rapidly achieved. The importance of psychotherapeutic intervention in such cases is emphasized.