Behavioral interventions for the patient with overactive bladder

Behavioral interventions are safe and effective treatments for improving urge incontinence, particularly in women. Their effect on other OAB symptoms, such as urgency, frequency, and nocturia, has been less well-studied; however, there is some evidence that these symptoms may improve as well. Less is known about the role of behavioral interventions in men. These interventions can be used alone, in combination with each other, or as an adjunct to drug therapy. Behavioral interventions rely on patients learning new skills and changing lifestyle behaviors to improve bladder control. This takes a highly motivated patient who is an active participant and willing to persist with treatment, because improvement is not usually immediate. The WOC nurse needs to incorporate strategies for reinforcing the patient's long-term behavior change and encouraging adherence to the prescribed program so that an optimal outcome can be achieved.