Overactive bladder: Diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Overactive bladder syndrome is a chronic condition that requires long-term management and is associated with a significant impairment in the quality of life of the individual as well as having an economic impact on healthcare. Behavioral interventions, along with lifestyle modifications, are effective, but medical management remains the mainstay of treatment. Challenges to improving the overactive bladder syndrome burden and outcomes include underdiagnosis, undertreatment and patient nonadherence to medication. Recent pharmacological advances, along with behavioral interventions, have helped to improve patient compliance. Healthcare providers should acknowledge the need for education regarding overactive bladder syndrome symptoms, its diagnosis and its management options. This article gives an overview of overactive bladder syndrome, its diagnosis and the different treatment options available, as well as discussing recent advances in the field. © 2010 Future Medicine Ltd.