Dealing with bedwetting can be incredibly challenging and failure to respond to treatment only adds to our stress. If you have not done so already I would recommend that you ask to be referred to a Pediatrician who specializes in treating children’s nighttime incontinence. While it is certainly true that conditioning alarms are not suited to all children, their success rate increases the more guidance and support you receive. Treatment can take between 3 and 6 months and it is not uncommon for children to experience one or two relapses before achieving permanent continence. Relapses do not necessarily mean the treatment has failed – reintroduce the alarm and perhaps combine with a controlled diet and a healthy intake of fluids throughout the day. Hypnotherapy is considered to be a more alternative approach to treatment. While it is not as well supported by research evidence as the conditioning alarm it has been successfully used to help children wake up and go to the toilet. This can be used on its own or in combination with the conditioning alarm, and can help children respond more readily to the sound of the alarm. If you are interested in exploring this option your best point of contact is the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association: 1800 067 557. Good luck!

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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